About Us / Our Story

Our Story – A Family Business Since 1987

How an Idea Became LANA

The story of LANA began in 1987 in Aachen – with Anne Classen-Kohnen and Hermann Kohnen's desire to find natural fiber clothing for their three children.

At that time, clothing made from natural materials was hard to come by. In search of an alternative, they decided to take action themselves. The first natural fiber yarn diaper pants were created on a hand-knitting machine in their basement.


What was initially intended for their own family quickly spread among friends and acquaintances. Demand grew, patterns were further developed, and the small workshop eventually became LANA Naturtextilien.

"We wanted to develop clothing that we would feel good putting on our own children."
Anne Classen-Kohnen

The First Collections

From the first diaper pants, a growing assortment gradually developed.

In addition to baby clothes, sweaters, scarves, hats, and other garments made from natural fibers were created. The offering was supplemented with selected natural textiles from other manufacturers.

Just a few years later, LANA presented its first collections at BIOFACH. The positive response led to a continuous expansion of the assortment and a gradual outsourcing of production to experienced partner companies.

From the beginning, strong colors and expressive patterns were a trademark of LANA – as a deliberate counter-design to the often plain natural textile fashion of the time.


Family Business with Experience

LANA is still run as a family business today.

Anne Classen-Kohnen and Hermann Kohnen personally guide many decisions to this day – from material selection and the development of new models to collaboration with long-standing production partners.

Patterns, fit development, and sample production continue to take place in Aachen. Thus, direct communication within the team remains an important part of our work even after more than 39 years.

What Still Defines Us Today

Much has changed since our founding – but our commitment to quality has not.

We develop timeless women's fashion from high-quality natural materials and work with long-standing partner companies. Careful material selection, high-quality workmanship, and durable designs are at the heart of every collection.

Many of our products are manufactured according to the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Information on materials and certifications can be found directly on the respective product pages.


WE REMEMBER

 

The First Knitting Machine

In 1987, the first LANA products were created in the basement with a hand-knitting machine.

The First Store

The first sales took place directly in their own home. LANA quickly became known in Aachen and the surrounding area.

Courage for Color

LANA focused on colorful yarns and expressive patterns early on – at a time when natural textiles were often primarily offered in natural tones.


 

From the very beginning, LANA has stood for color, because Anne and Hermann wanted to counter the demand for jute clothing in eco-fashion with something powerful: because color can also be produced sustainably.




From Babywear to Women's Fashion

From the first products, a complete women's collection gradually developed, which continues to be refined today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Over 39 Years of LANA

Anne Classen-Kohnen and Hermann Kohnen have shaped LANA since its founding in 1987. With their experience, their instinct for natural materials, and their personal dedication, they have guided the development of the family business for more than 38 years.

To this day, both are closely involved in collection development, material selection, and collaboration with production partners. Their knowledge and experience continue to form an important basis for high-quality natural textiles, timeless design, and careful workmanship at LANA.


 


Collections

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