LRNCE

A multidisciplinary studio based out of Marrakech, LRNCE is unorthodox in many ways, just like its creator Laurence Leenaert.

Leenaert, who is a Belgian textile designer, studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and interned with Bless in Berlin. While working on designing and creating her brand of leather bags in 2015, Leenaert decided to move to Marrakech. Here, she met with local artisans and worked with them to create various textile and ceramic products.

Living in Marrakech and interacting directly with the artisans gave Leenaert the ability to work with countless prototypes and samples for each of her ideas. This made the process of designing easier, allowing her more control over her pieces. The move invigorated her passion for design, providing inspiration for her work. Her designs, which are a captivating blend of abstract art and traditional patterns and motifs, showcase this. Working primarily with ceramics and textiles, Leenaert has created a massive collection of home and personal objects at LRNCE. The pieces have a carefree air about them, reinterpreting traditional Moroccan art and handicrafts. Each of the pieces are delightfully abstract, with asymmetrical shapes often depicting faces, plants and a well balanced mix of colors and patterns. They bring about a much needed cheery appeal to home decor and furnishings, one that can liven up any interior. Laurence’s method of work is guided heavily by instinct, just like her move away from Belgium. Allowing her ideas to flow unobstructed, she is able to make products that reflect her creative and whimsical energy. It is this refreshing style that makes her brand so special.

Leenaert’s designs increase by the day, as do the products created by her. She is constantly working on bringing her visions to life by experimenting with materials around her. Products for the home by LRNCE include ceramic bowls, jugs and plates, along with blankets, pouffes, rugs, and table linen. Home objects like chairs, decorative mirrors and lamps made using wrought iron, rattan and wicker are also part of the brands’ collection. In addition to this, Laurence has also worked with local artisans to create sandals and clothing with an artistic flair. Her collaborative approach gives a new direction to these traditional crafts.

LRNCE sells most of their products through Instagram, where they have amassed an enormous global following. And as their popularity skyrockets, LRNCE is also seeing an increased interest in their products. But in the face of the global demand, LRNCE has decided to go with an unconventional approach. Unlike most other brands, LRNCE has no plans to expand on a large scale. In fact, they are more committed to maintaining the handmade approach now, where there is a personal connection with the craftsmen. There is no doubt this would disappoint many. But LRNCE’s approach shows a great way to put people over profits, and a way of designing consciously for the future.