Our Story
Our Story
KITANI was born from a deep-seated passion for wellness, sustainable clothing, homeware, and conscious living. Our brand fervently intertwines the essence of wellness and sustainability into the fabric of our existence. Rooted in the belief that reconnecting with nature and mindful living are interconnected, we curate an experience that nurtures your home, mind, and body.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of our offerings. We exclusively use natural textiles and materials, carefully chosen for their ability to gently return to the earth and biodegrade. Working closely with skilled craftsmen and artisans, each piece is meticulously crafted, never mass-produced, and created in small, meaningful batches.
Our greatest inspiration is the bountiful plant kingdom and its myriad of natural medicinal uses. We're driven by the mission to reintegrate this ancient wisdom into modern-day routines, fostering a movement that reconnects individuals back to nature.
Our aspiration is to infuse this wealth of natural wisdom into everyday living, cultivating an ethos that honours the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the Earth. Join us on this journey as we embrace the teachings of nature and advocate for a harmonious lifestyle that echoes the rhythms of the natural world
Our Founder
Alice was born in England, living between the UK, Greece and Switzerland before and moving to South Africa as a young child. She spent her formative years on a
farm in the winelands. Nurturing a deep affinity for nature, art and drama, she later pursued a degree in Fashion Design in Cape Town.
During her university years, Alice co-founded Lalesso, a resort wear brand committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Her brand garnered widespread international recognition and accolades as well as being featured in Vogue, FT’s
‘How to Spend It’ and Elle among many others. The brand also garnered a host of celebrity fans including Sienna Miller and Elle McPherson.
Alice's contributions earned her a spot among the distinguished members of the "BOF 500' as well as being awarded the ‘Women of the Year’ Award from GLAMOUR magazine South Africa. Alice has worked extensively in South Africa, Kenya and India on a grass roots level, collaborating with artisans and fostering a deep connection to traditional crafts.
After over a decade of running Lalesso, Alice relocated to London, where she lent her expertise to various prominent brands within the ethical fashion sector. Driven by her fervour for wellness, textiles and traditional craft, she embarked on a
new venture, culminating in the launch of KITANI in 2024.
Today, Alice resides in London with her husband and son, continuing to weave her passions into the fabric of her life.
“wellness and sustainabilty are at the core of everthing we do”
Alice Heusser
A Return to Nature
In today's world, we have become. increasingly detached from nature and the awe-inspiring natural environment that surrounds us.
Traditional ancient plant medicines and remedies have been forgotten. Our mission is to revive awareness of these remedies and educate people about the power of plants and natural healing. We aim to inspire individuals to incorporate more plants into their diets and enjoy bountiful, organic, and healthy meals.
We are passionate advocates for a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, advocating for the well-being of animals and promoting respect for all living creatures. Our vision is centered on creating a harmonious world where abundance, health, and happiness coexist for everyone.
In today’s world, we find ourselves surrounded by toxins, ultra-processed foods and health damaging chemicals. Our mission is to encourage a return to our natural state, where we coexist symbiotically with nature, embracing respect and love in our way of life.
Our Mission
KITANI is a contemporary brand that places a strong emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship while embracing a spirit of wanderlust. The brand is committed to addressing social, environmental, and ethical issues, reflecting a conscious approach to its practices. We take pride in celebrating an eclectic mix of unique natural textiles, featuring handcrafted embroideries and bold, exaggerated shapes and prints in our designs.
Additionally, we are dedicated to sustainable practices by being plastic-free, always prioritising ethical production methods, and ensuring that our products are handmade. This commitment to sustainability aligns with our values of environmental and social responsibility.
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