No. 01Our story
I am the founder of Waïloa. This is my story: the story of a little girl who used to watch her grandmother sew, who grew up to create a brand imagined in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, between mountains and ocean.
01The manifesto
Waïloa is a call to the outdoors. Mountains in the morning, the ocean at night, and clothes that keep up with you.
Pieces to live in rather than keep in a drawer, made to last and to carry a little escape with you, wherever you are.
Léa, founder
02Little Léa, grown-up Léa
Years have passed between the wide-eyed little girl and the woman who launched Waïloa. But the way she looks at the world hasn't changed: the same longing for the outdoors, for freedom and for beautiful things made with heart.
Léa, founder
03The thread
Fig. 02Thread, fabric and the urge to create.
Heritage
As a little girl, I spent hours next to my grandmother. I watched her sew and knit her own clothes, amazed by that know-how and by that freedom: making what you wear yourself.
That is where it all began, long before Waïloa had a name.
Fig. 03Léa, founder of Waïloa.
2018
After fashion school, where I studied marketing without ever letting go of creating, I devoted my master's project to an idea born in 2018: Waïloa.
On the day of my oral exam, a member of the jury encouraged me to make it real. At the time, going for it seemed unrealistic. The idea never left me.
Fig. 04Léa and her very first collection, in Tarbes.
21 June 2021
In 2021, I took the plunge with my first scrunchies. Waïloa was officially born on 21 June, the day of the Fête de la Musique, to echo the brand's spirit of freedom.
Little by little, the scrunchies funded the next collections. Our handmade accessories are still here, and they are here to stay.
Fig. 05Simple, genuine moments.
Today
Waïloa is much more than a brand: it is my dream, built step by step, with passion and the desire to do things differently. Clothes that breathe adventure and escape, for women, men and even children, for simple, genuine moments in life.
I dream of one day moving towards 100% French production. For now, I keep my feet on the ground so that Waïloa stays affordable and keeps its soul. And tomorrow, why not outdoor pieces, skiwear, swimwear or wetsuits? There is still a long way to go, and I can't wait to travel it with you.
Every day, I realise how lucky I am to have so much support from all of you who believe in this adventure, near or far. Thank you, endlessly: it is thanks to you that Waïloa comes to life.
04Milestones
Waïloa is born on paper, during my fashion studies.
The first scrunchies, then the official launch on 21 June, the day of the Fête de la Musique.
In October, Waïloa is awarded the Zero Waste Company label.
The brand adopts its new visual identity.
More styles and more choice, for the whole family.
Moving towards 100% French production.
05On video
A few minutes to step into the Waïloa world, between mountains and ocean.
06Memories
Fashion shows, markets, festivals and press articles: a few milestones of the adventure, shared with you.
Fashion show
The first fashion showAt the Trébons Christmas market, the collection on the catwalk.
Press
La Nouvelle République des PyrénéesLéa and her pieces, featured in the local press.
Press
La Semaine newspaperA portrait of Waïloa's creator.
Event
Mountain Festival in PayolleOutdoor encounters, in 2024.
Interview
International Freeride Film FestivalAn interview among colourful clothing rails.
07Origin
Every collection is dreamt up between the peaks of the Hautes-Pyrénées and the waves of the coast.
Our labels and patches are sewn in Tarbes, just down the road from us.
The screen printing of our pieces is done in Toulouse.
Headbands, scrunchies, neck warmers: our handmade accessories, just like on day one.
08In short
09What's next
Explore. Breathe. Repeat. Thank you for being part of the story.
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