Founded by Natalie Garland, LAMSA empowers artisans and refugees in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, blending humanitarian efforts with fashion.
LAMSA, a community-based fashion brand founded by Natalie Garland, aims to empower artisans in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, particularly focusing on the region’s refugee population. The name LAMSA, which translates to ‘touch’ in Arabic, symbolizes the intimate connection between the artisans and their craft, as well as the relationship between the creations and those who wear them. Established in 2021, LAMSA has evolved from grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting self-reliance among refugees to a notable player in the ethical fashion sector.
Garland, originally from New York City, moved to Lebanon in 2019, inspired by a desire to engage in grassroots activism after her experiences in Geneva’s aid sector. In the Bekaa Valley, one of Lebanon’s poorest areas that also houses a significant number of refugees, she began working with Lebanese artisans and Syrian refugees through Multi Aid Programs (MAPs). Her experiences led her to critique traditional aid models, which often undermine the agency of beneficiaries. MAPs, in contrast, focuses on empowering individuals to achieve economic independence.
In response to the challenges faced by women in the community, Garland co-founded the Crochet Community Collective, which provided crafting opportunities and training. The collective allowed artisans to create marketable products, such as handmade toys, fostering both economic empowerment and the preservation of traditional craft skills. In the summer of 2021, Garland ventured to New York to sell her designs, achieving notable success that inspired her to formalize LAMSA with the involvement of local artisans.
LAMSA distinguishes itself through its commitment to community and individual expression. Garland explains that every piece is infused with the artisan’s personal touch, making each item unique. “It’s the personal, special, and physical touch of their hands that makes each creation feel unique,” she states. The brand’s designs explore themes of human connection, culture, and resilience, aligning closely with the artisans’ personal experiences.
In the summer of 2024, just before the recent escalation of conflict in the region, LAMSA launched its “Unspoken” collection. This initiative was born out of discussions between Garland and the artisans on the pressing realities they face. The collection invites storytelling through design, allowing artisans to share their experiences through sketches that Garland transforms into fashion pieces. The “Mother and Son” bag, created by artisan Abeer, exemplifies this approach, embodying the challenges of motherhood in displacement with Abeer’s name hand-embroidered inside the bag as a testament to her strength.
LAMSA’s journey includes participation in prominent events such as the SS23 London Fashion Week and collaborations with organizations that advocate for artisans from conflict-affected regions. The brand is currently navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape as some refugees consider returning to Syria, while others remain focused on building sustainable livelihoods in Lebanon.
With aspirations to continue blending humanitarian efforts with ethical fashion, Garland remains committed to maintaining LAMSA’s distinct identity. She aims to develop the “Unspoken” collection further, ensuring it resonates with the current challenges faced by the community while also planning future collaborations that align with the ethos of LAMSA. The ongoing support from consumers, who can purchase LAMSA’s artisan-crafted products, directly contributes to funding educational initiatives for refugee children in the Bekaa Valley.
Source: Noah Wire Services
