Brand Analysis: Lilla P

I’d never heard of Lilla P until I started working at Kiskadee, and now it is one of my favorite brands. I always look forward to seeing what’s new when a shipment arrives. Her clothing is basic, but they’re elevated basics – there’s always a pop of color, an exceptional cut, or some other unique detail that makes her pieces really interesting. Her clothing makes getting dressed easy. Most of the time, I’m in a t-shirt and shorts or jeans, but a Lilla P top looks a lot better than my old t-shirt. They’re pieces I reach for again and again because they look and feel good.   

I wanted to know more about the brand, and, as it turns out, Lilla P is run by an actual person. (This is a theme – several of the clothing lines sold at Kiskadee are made by small, often family-run, businesses.)  Her name is Pauline Nakios, and she’s a Charleston, South Carolina native who started her brand in the 90s in an effort to design the perfect baby tee! Remember those? Pauline and her husband run Lilla P with the help of 17 other employees. They sell to about 1000 stores in North America, many of them small boutiques like Kiskadee. In fact, when Celeste goes to market to select clothing for Kiskadee, she talks shop with Pauline! Pauline focuses on using quality fabrics and yarns to develop timeless styles and hopes to make pieces that are favorites to be worn again and again by their customer. Lilla P’s hallmarks are clean lines, quality fabrics, and impeccable fit.   

If you’re looking to update your fall wardrobe with some elevated basics, these are some of my favorite new arrivals:

Thiste Ribbed Sweater, $268 

Ruffle Sweater, $258 

Raglan Zip Dress, $158

Origami Top, $98