Lekha Designer and Founder Trishala Bhansali grew up in New Orleans and India, two locations steeped in their own unique and vibrant culture. After spending a decade in Fashion and Interiors in NYC, Trishala felt home calling, and she hasn't looked back. She launched Lekha in 2018, a collection of soft, ethereal, and sophisticated pieces that draw upon the heritage of her homes. We LOVE.
I feel very fortunate to have grown up in New Orleans, LA, with every Summer until my mid-teens spent with family in India.
Our household consists of me and my partner, David. It’s just been the two of us for 12 years, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Christmas 2020 brings a middle-aged canine rescue into our lives.
2018
My Dad used to bring us to the textile markets in Mumbai as kids. We would work with our family tailor to create special pieces with our buys. I knew eventually I’d want to merge these Indian textile traditions with my western upbringing. After over a decade in fashion in New York, I felt New Orleans pulling me back. There was a growing creative environment here that excited me, and it seemed like the right time.
I love the community. It seems almost cliché to talk about community as a brand right now – it’s a buzz word. But truly – I’ve been able to build real relationships with women in India: designers, weavers, embroiderers. Likewise, the women in my campaigns, the women who are involved at all levels – my customers included – they all make lekha what it is. My hope is that they feel this same lekha connection.
I’m experimenting with two capsule collections: “little lekha” and “lekha lifestyle” which I am hoping to eventually build on. The evolution seems organic given that many lekha ladies are mothers, both new and experienced, and also given that are main fabrications are soft muslin and linen.
Musical mornings, a long run in Audubon Park, and/or baking something new. Being active apart from lekha definitely keeps me inspired and energized to create and push forward.
I wish I had asked for help. I’ve been stubborn about accepting help from others, but some of the biggest strides I have made with young lekha have been because of the wonderful assistance of people around me. I’ve realized there is no shame in leaning on people, and more often than not, they are willing and delighted to bolster you up.
Stand up straight.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
Schitt’s Creek
Puglia
Sister Sledge: Thinking of You
If it’s an afternoon on a porch, Pimm’s Cup. Otherwise, margarita.
Fresh herbs (basil and rosemary) for cocktails and fresh flowers
I can’t choose between two. I bought a beautiful antique side table off of Nextdoor for a steal the other day, and every time I look at it, I feel victorious. Also, I just bought a Cuup bra, and as someone with an unusually sized chest, I’m really loving the fit and comfort.
Oxalis Apothecary Daily Glow Facial Serum
Ilia “Cheek to Cheek” Multi-Stick
“It seems almost cliché to talk about community as a brand right now – it’s a buzz word. But truly – I’ve been able to build real relationships with women in India: designers, weavers, embroiderers. Likewise, the women in my campaigns, the women who are involved at all levels – my customers included – they all make lekha what it is.”
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