Leset’s new office, featuring a custom conference table and vintage 1970s chairs, marks a significant milestone for the fashion brand founded by Lili Chemla in 2019. The company, celebrated for blending loungewear with polished designs, has attracted high-profile celebrity fans including Zoë Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dakota Johnson, which has fueled rapid growth. As the team expanded, Chemla sought a new workspace, ultimately securing a unit just one flight upstairs from their original Los Angeles location. The 1924-built space, formerly housing a paper company, boasts palatial proportions and stained-glass windows that reflect its historical roots.
Designing for Functionality and History
Designer Phoebe Little, who also created Leset’s New York flagship, transformed the loft into a practical office while preserving its architectural charm. Workstations were positioned near the windows, leaving the central area open for showcasing collections, which Chemla described as a “plug-and-play area.” The design emphasized maintaining the space’s natural beauty, combining vintage and custom elements to create a loftlike atmosphere that balances work and creativity, supporting an environment where innovation thrives.
The office’s oldest feature is its original 1924 concrete floors, untouched since construction. The newest additions include a 20-foot-long glass and steel conference table and a fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen, centered around a 16-foot stainless steel countertop, serves as the daily gathering spot where the team shares meals, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and shared purpose. These elements together create a dynamic environment that supports both individual focus and collective energy.
Personal Touches and Team Interaction
Among the office’s highlights are its vintage 1970s conference chairs, each with hooks for personal items. These chairs, delayed in customs for three months, became a symbol of Chemla’s commitment to design. During the first collection presentation in the new space, the team’s enthusiasm shone through as everyone adorned their coats and bags on the chair hooks, a moment Chemla described as fulfilling her vision. The chairs’ unique history and functionality add character to the workspace, making it more than just a place to work.
Challenges and Ongoing Evolution
Despite the space’s success, challenges remain. Chemla and her COO, Alex Basch, share an air conditioning vent, creating a humorous divide over temperature preferences. While Chemla favors cooler conditions, Basch often bundles up in scarves and puffer jackets during Los Angeles’ 85-degree heat, turning the issue into a running joke among staff meetings. These minor inconveniences, however, add a touch of levity to the team’s daily routine and highlight the close-knit nature of their workplace culture.
