L’alingi London began with a single, striking idea: that accessories should do more than complete a look, they should spark emotion, invite wonder, and transform the everyday into something extraordinary. At the centre of this vision is Alia Zaki Ali, the Beirut-born, London-based designer whose sculptural imagination and fearless creativity have redefined the art of the statement bag.
After years spent shaping her craft across Beirut, the U.S. and London, Alia launched L’alingi in 2017, turning her passion for design into a brand celebrated for its bold silhouettes, crystal-studded fantasies and unmistakable sense of play. Her rise was swift and well deserved; in 2021 she was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” marking her as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
Today, L’alingi has become synonymous with originality and modern glamour — a quiet rebellion against predictable luxury. In this exclusive conversation, Alia shares the inspirations, challenges and creative spirit behind the brand that continues to enchant women around the world.
Tell us how L’alingi London began and what inspired you to create a brand centred around statement handbags?
L’alingi began with a very personal desire to challenge the world of accessories. To create handbags that were not just functional, but truly expressive pieces of wearable art, yet accessible. Although I had no fashion experience, I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional power of expression through design, the way a single object can transform how a woman feels the moment she holds it. When I looked around the luxury market, everything felt safe, predictable, and grounded in the same traditional silhouettes. I wanted to disrupt that. I wanted to bring imagination, playfulness, and sculptural beauty into the world of evening bags.
L’alingi bags are instantly recognisable, from crystal embellished clutches to sculptural designs. How would you describe the essence of your brand in just a few words?
Consider L’alingi a quiet rebellion against predictable luxury. Artistic and unapologetically bold. Designed for those who lead, not follow.
You often merge art and fashion in your designs. Where do you draw your creative inspiration from when designing a new collection?
My inspiration comes from everywhere – architecture, jewellery design, nature, surrealism, and even unexpected everyday objects like food utensils for instance. I’ve always been drawn to shapes and forms that challenge the eye, and I love reimagining them through the lens of luxury craftsmanship. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of art as my mother is in the art scene. She would always encourage us to visit galleries.
Your pieces have been spotted on global celebrities and featured in major fashion magazines. How does it feel to see your work celebrated on such a global stage?
It’s incredibly humbling and surreal. Designing is such a personal process. There is so much behind the scenes which makes running a business ever so challenging. So when a celebrity, stylist, or major publication selects one of our pieces, it validates not just the design but the vision behind the brand and our purpose. It certainly motivates me to go on.
What do you think sets L’alingi apart from other luxury accessory brands?
I think L’alingi stands apart because we design without too many limitations. We don’t follow trends; we create worlds with a strong emotional lens. Every bag is meant to make you feel something: playfulness, elegance, power, fantasy. That emotional connection is the heart of our identity, and hopefully is what sets us apart. I also feel our edge is being unconventional in the way we produce the bags.
Can you walk us through your design process?
The process always begins with exploration. I sketch freely, experiment with shapes, search for materials, and build a mood board that sets the tone of the collection. At this stage, I focus on construction and practicality, not the commercial output.
Once I’m confident in the direction, I work closely with our artisans to translate those sketches into 3D samples. This is where the engineering begins. Refining the proportions, weight, structure, and comfort. We test materials such as crystals, resins, metals, and hardware. Every detail — from the clasp mechanism to the lining — is considered. The final stage is refinement: adjusting colours, finishes, and embellishments until the piece feels complete.
Sustainability and craftsmanship are key topics in fashion today. How does L’alingi approach ethical production and long-lasting quality?
For us, sustainability begins with longevity. I try to create pieces that are meant to be treasured, not replaced. Our focus is on meticulous craftsmanship with family-owned ateliers and durable materials. We work with trusted craftsmen who follow ethical labour practices, and we invest heavily in quality control to ensure each bag can be worn for years. We are aware of the delicate nature of the materials we use, and that is why we offer specialised aftercare services to cater to our clients’ needs without limitations. We also design consciously. Producing in small batches to avoid over-manufacturing. It’s an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continually improving.
London is at the heart of your brand’s name. How has the city influenced your creative identity and aesthetic?
London is a historical city of contrasts — classic yet experimental, refined yet bold — and that duality is at the core of L’alingi. Living and creating here has exposed me to endless diversity in art, fashion, architecture, and culture. I can be in my creative bubble without the social pressure. The energy of the city encourages risk-taking and a sense of expressive freedom. It’s the perfect home for a brand that celebrates individuality.
What can you tell us about L’alingi in the Middle East?
The Middle East has embraced L’alingi in such a beautiful way. Being Middle Eastern myself and growing up in Beirut, I feel that this is reflected in the brand’s DNA and resonates deeply with Middle Eastern clients who love colour, opulence, and artistic expression. Women in the region appreciate craftsmanship, luxury, and bold, statement-making pieces and not just brand names — values that align perfectly with our brand DNA. We’ve seen incredible demand in cities such as Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Kuwait, and the region remains a key focus for our global expansion.
As a female founder and designer, what has been your biggest challenge and your proudest moment on this journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the business side of building a brand while raising two young children. You also have Brexit, market crashes, COVID, regional disruptions and wars all come into play when running a business, on an emotional level as well. As a female founder, you often have to prove yourself: as a designer, a business leader, and a mother. Owning a brand means being available 24/7, and it took a while to find that happy balance and filter out the distractions which were weighing me down.
My proudest moments are always tied to the women who wear our pieces. Seeing L’alingi on global shows such as “Emily in Paris”, displayed in iconic stores such as Harrods, or cherished by clients around the world, reminds me of how far the brand has come.
What’s the professional motto that you live by?
“When in doubt or confusion, check in on your heart, mind and soul. If they are all aligned, then you are good.” I learnt this from my wisest father.
What else is in the pipeline for the brand?
We’re entering an exciting new chapter for L’alingi. We’re exploring new brand collaborations, expanded categories such as day bags and resort, and deeper global growth, including stronger retail presence and expanded partnerships worldwide.
We’re also developing more sculptural, collectable pieces that blur the line between accessory and art. The goal is to continue surprising our customers while staying true to the imaginative spirit of the brand.
By Lea Nouhra
