Apr 5

Apr 5 Lili Radu: Crafting Stories in Leather with a Global Heart

By chance in Cambodia, I recently reconnected with Lili Radu, the visionary behind the eponymous leather accessories brand that blends old-world craftsmanship with modern wanderlust. Her pieces—handmade with precision and soul—aren’t just accessories; they’re testaments to resilience, adventure, and the beauty of human connection.

Born in Frankfurt but shaped by stints in Austria, Spain, the U.S., and Italy, Lili’s designs reflect a life lived between cultures. After earning her Master’s in Fashion, Experience & Design Management from Milan’s prestigious SDA Bocconi, she channeled her passion into building her brand—one stitch at a time.

Inspiration

“Some might expect me to name a famous designer,” Lili laughs, “but my greatest inspiration was my grandmother. She faced life’s hardest moments with strength and grace—never losing her warmth or optimism. That’s the spirit I weave into every piece.”

The Bumpy Road to Launch

Entrepreneurship is never smooth sailing. Two weeks before her brand’s debut, her computer hard drive crashed, erasing years of work. “I learned three things: breathe, camp out at the Apple Store, and keep your best friends on speed dial,” she says. The crisis became a lesson in resilience—one that now defines her brand’s ethos.

Global Style

Daslu (São Paulo): “A temple of inspiration. I dream of going back.”
Burberry’s ArtoftheTrench: “A masterclass in storytelling. Someday, I’d love to see how the world styles Lili Radu weekenders!”

Giving Back: From Academia to Cambodia

Lili’s commitment to social good runs deep. Her dissertation focused on INTERPLAST, a nonprofit providing free surgeries in developing countries. This January, she joined their mission in Takeo, Cambodia, fundraising for a children’s hospital. “The kindness of Cambodian people humbled me. It’s a place that stays with you forever.”