By Jessica Mathiasz

It all started with 20 handmade clutch purses, a few greeting cards, and a batch of brownies. Lasanthi never imagined that her small stall at a Kandy Mums pop-up sale in 2015 would blossom into the luxury purse brand it is today. A brand that is slowly growing and reaching customers as far as Ireland, Australia, and the USA.

In a world of mass-produced accessories, Lasanthi stands out by creating handmade, high-quality and beautiful clutch purses. For her, it is never just about business. 'Every piece is made with love’. 
I sat down with Lasanthi to learn about her journey, her inspirations, and what makes her purses so special.

Q. How did the idea of ‘Lasanthi Limited Edition’ come to life? 
A. I began in the footwear industry, working with Marks and Spencer right after school. Though I had no formal degree, I got a great opportunity to learn about technical design and quality craftsmanship, which I never thought would be a main skill used to build my own business after so many years. 

In 2015, Kandy Mums, a platform supporting home-based businesses, invited me to join a sale. I made 20 clutch purses alongside handmade cards and brownies, not knowing what to expect. But when women kept picking up those purses, admiring the stitching, asking for custom orders, that's when something clicked. The brownies didn't stand a chance after that. 

The response to the purses was overwhelming and I knew I had found my calling. That’s how Lasanthi Limited Edition came to life. 

Q. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A. Nature and Sri Lankan tradition inspire me. My mind is always working, thinking of new designs, materials, and patterns. Whether it's the colours of nature, patterns in ancient art, or anything unique that catches my eye, I blend these with modern elegance.

Every piece I create is one-of-a-kind. I rarely make more than three or four of the same design, that’s how I keep them special. If it’s custom-made, then it’s truly yours alone.

Q. Walk us through your creative process.
A. I visualize the purse, it comes alive in my mind before I even sketch. I see the exact curve of the shape, how the fastener will click shut, even how the handle will feel in someone’s hand. I think those years of pattern-making for shoes sharpened this instinct. Every clutch is hand-stitched (I only use the machine for tiny bits), because quality is non-negotiable. When someone buys my work, they’re trusting me with something precious. That trust, it’s not something you can cut corners with. 

Q. What are the materials you use? 
A. I use whatever that catches my eye. I buy just half a meter of fabric if it speaks to me and experiment with it. I love working with local handlooms, batiks and beeralu lace. I also upcycle old saris and use them to make clutches. 

Q. What’s the most unique or unexpected material you’ve used in your designs?
A. Once, I used irattu to make a clutch purse. I even designed wooden clutch boxes locally instead of sourcing them from other countries.

Q. Do you make custom purses? 

A. Oh yes! That’s my specialty. Ladies send me their saris or outfits to match, and I sketch clutch options and suggest colours. Some clients even request their names embroidered on the clutches, which I also do.

Q. What makes your purses special? 

A.I make them with so much love—the designs, the materials, the craftsmanship. I give 100% every time, pouring my heart into these purses. That’s what makes them special.

Q.  Do you have any favourite pieces? 

A. It’s impossible to pick. It’s like asking me to choose a favourite child. Sometimes I finish a purse and just stare at it, thinking, ‘Did I really make this?’. Every piece is my favourite. Like I’ve said before, I pour my heart into every purse I create, crafting each one with so much love. I simply can’t choose just one. 

Q. What was the most memorable customer reaction? 
A. I love witnessing every reaction, the moment they first see the purse, the surprised look on their face, how they admire themselves in the mirror while holding it. It fills me with joy.

One particular customer flew all the way from Ireland and visited my shop. She told me that buying my purses was one of the reasons she traveled to Sri Lanka, which absolutely amazed me. She adored them so much that she even took a few extra to gift her friends.

Q. What is your dream collaboration? 
A. I previously collaborated with La Pad by Dinushi Pamunuwa for her Milan Fashion Show. It was an incredible opportunity. I’ve also worked with Akira Batik and have upcoming projects with Kamil.

Locally, I'd love to collaborate with Dimuthu Sahabandu and Rebel by Ruchira. I really love their styles. 

Internationally, I adore Zac Posen’s aesthetic. It would be great to collaborate with him one day. 

Q. What is the dream for your brand?
A. Some people in Sri Lanka call me the purse lady. I want to be known for my quality work and become a brand loved by people in every corner of the world. 

Follow her journey
Instagram: Lasanthi Limited Edition
Facebook: Lasanthi Limited Edition
For collaborations or custom orders, DM Lasanthi directly.