Layesion isn’t just a brand; it’s the manifestation of a lifelong vision shaped by founder Flavia Laye-Sion’s dual heritage, from the Seychelles and Switzerland, and her passion for nature. "The inspiration behind Layesion stems from my deep-rooted fascination with craftsmanship and the desire to create something meaningful that effortlessly blends luxury with sustainability," says Laye-Sion. "Growing up, I was surrounded by local artisans in both cultures, and it left an indelible impression on me about the value of craftsmanship and the importance of working with what nature gives us."
Laye-Sion’s vision for her brand, founded on slow fashion principles, centres on creating fewer, better pieces. Her ethos contrasts sharply with the fast fashion industry, which she describes as "prioritising mass production and waste." From the beginning, she wanted Layesion to represent something entirely different—a brand that values timeless quality, sustainability, and mindful consumption.
Her commitment to quality craftsmanship shines through in every Layesion piece, from the selection of FSC/PEFC-certified wood to the intricate marquetry designs that make each item truly unique. "Each piece of wood is a living material with its own grain and texture, and no two are ever the same," Laye-Sion explains. “We like to think of it as Nature’s fingerprint." Layesion’s signature bags are created by hand in small ateliers located in the Jura Forest of Switzerland, an environment that continually reminds Laye-Sion of the importance of sustainable sourcing.
"The forest is a constant source of inspiration, and it reinforces our commitment to using certified, responsibly sourced wood," she says. "Being in nature grounds us and reminds us to slow down and pay attention to the details, which is what we try to do with every piece we make."
For Laye-Sion, the craftsmanship and environmental responsibility of her brand are deeply intertwined. Every detail, from the grain of the wood to the hand-carved clasps, is meticulously considered. "It’s this careful attention to detail and craftsmanship that makes each Layesion creation a true work of art," she reflects. The commitment to artistry ensures that every Layesion product carries a unique story, a reflection of the labour and care that went into its making.
But Layesion is more than just beautifully crafted handbags. Laye-Sion has taken the concept of sustainability even further by embracing an on-demand production model, which eliminates overproduction and waste. "Our customers can purchase from our limited capsule collections or pre-order a design, which allows us to gauge demand and avoid unnecessary waste," Laye-Sion explains. "Every piece is unique or part of a limited edition, and no two batches of veneer are exactly the same." This approach gives customers a more personal experience and provides them with items that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Flavia Laye-Sion, founder of LAYESION.
Despite the challenges of working in a small-scale, sustainable production system, Laye-Sion remains unwavering in her commitment to responsible manufacturing. "One of the main challenges at the beginning was finding the right partners—suppliers and artisans who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices," she says. Her solution? Manufacturing locally in Switzerland, where she works with master artisans who share her values. "It’s more expensive, yes, but the unparalleled quality and craftsmanship make it worth it," she says, noting the strong creative bond she has developed with her master craftsman.
One of the most unique aspects of Layesion is its partnership with the Green Future Project, which adds a powerful environmental dimension to every purchase. "I was inspired to partner with Green Future Project because I wanted Layesion to go beyond sustainability in production. We wanted to give back to the environment in a tangible way," Laye-Sion says. For every bag sold, Layesion plants 10 to 15 mangrove trees in Madagascar’s Vilamatsa Reforestation Site, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity restoration. Additionally, Layesion contributes to the preservation of Ecuador's Canandé Reserve, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. "We track our impact through the Green Future Project platform, which provides live data on trees planted and carbon emissions offset," she adds, highlighting the brand’s dedication to transparency.
The customer response to Layesion’s partnership with the Green Future Project has been overwhelmingly positive. "Many customers love knowing that their purchase goes beyond luxury and directly supports environmental restoration," Laye-Sion shares. "They appreciate that we’re honouring nature by giving back more than we take." This collaboration has become an integral part of the brand, aligning perfectly with Laye-Sion’s values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and creating a positive environmental impact.
Laye-Sion’s journey with Layesion has been one of constant learning and adaptation. Her love of marquetry, a woodworking technique she became fascinated with early in the brand’s development, remains central to her designs. She recalls a formative moment when she first learned the craft from a master artisan, immersing herself in the painstaking process. "I wanted to fully understand the amount of work and attention to detail required to create these meticulously beautiful designs," she says. This experience deepened her respect for the craftsmanship behind each piece, further solidifying her commitment to creating meaningful, lasting works of art.
Looking to the future, Laye-Sion is excited to push the boundaries of her craft even further. She is exploring new ways to reduce waste by incorporating upcycled and deadstock materials into her designs and is even considering launching a repair service to help extend the life of each product. "We're also continuously researching alternative varnishing options to further minimise our environmental footprint," she says. Layesion is committed to evolving its sustainability practices while preserving the high level of craftsmanship that defines the brand.
For other entrepreneurs looking to integrate sustainability into their businesses, Laye-Sion offers some sage advice. "Start by clearly defining what sustainability means for your business," she says. "Transparency is crucial—customers value honesty and want to know how their purchases are making a positive impact." For her, sustainability is a continuous journey, one that requires ongoing evolution and improvement.
As the fashion industry moves toward more sustainable practices, Laye-Sion believes that slow fashion and regenerative lifestyle brands like hers will play an increasingly important role. "I see slow fashion becoming more mainstream as consumers demand more sustainable options," she says. "The shift is already happening, with more people moving away from fast fashion and towards thoughtfully made, timeless pieces."
While Layesion's primary focus remains on bespoke handbags, Laye-Sion envisions the brand evolving into a multidisciplinary studio offering a wide range of products, from fashion accessories to homeware and objets d'art. "We want to keep pushing the boundaries of what luxury and sustainability can achieve together," she says. "It's about creating pieces that are not just products but meaningful experiences with a lasting, positive impact."
Ultimately, Laye-Sion’s vision for Layesion is as much about creating beautiful, responsibly made products as it is about fostering a deeper connection between her customers and the natural world. "I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built," she says, "but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead." With Layesion’s continued commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and environmental restoration, it’s clear that this brand’s impact will only grow.