Laynesa, Laine Sumer

Laynesa, Laine Sumer
@lainesumer / @thisislamera

“Love & Light” is more than just a beautiful way to say goodbye; it is a blessing that echoes the very heart of how we are meant to care for one another. As La Mera’s Genesis, this collection marks our beginning and our philosophy of “Divinity, Purpose, and Connection”—a first step born from the quiet faith that no person enters our lives by accident. It is a celebration of the way God carefully weaves our paths together, turning simple introductions into preordained gifts.

La Mera believes that true friendships leave “lasting marks” and a “kindling light””upon our souls—imprints made through the unique ways we show love, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present. By translating these expressions of intimacy into tactile design, we seek to normalize the concept of platonic intimacy, honoring these connections as intentional, divine sanctuaries. Rooted in our proud Filipino Heritage through family, faith, and friendships, this collection is our way of shining a light on the purpose behind every bond, proving that when we lead with love, we honor the intentional design of our lives.

Laine Sumer finds the extraordinary within the ordinary, weaving the grace of her Christian faith and a romanticized, poetic lens into the very fibers of La Mera. To Laine, a garment is never merely an object; it is a sacred vessel for sentimentality—a canvas where contemporary design meets the profound depth of her Filipino roots.

By masterfully blending natural textures with intricate embroidery and intentional symbolism, she creates more than just silhouettes; she crafts wearable experiences. Her philosophy is an elegant triad of Divinity, Purpose, and Connection, where every design is an echo of creation from above. In the world of La Mera, every piece is an invitation—a story born from the designer’s heart, waiting to be translated by the soul of the wearer.

The most significant challenge I faced in this journey preceded the design itself: the struggle to navigate a concept that I could truly align with who I am. After hitting a creative block, I realized that inspiration requires room to breathe, so I chose to step back and simply live until the vision finally unfolded. The Love & Light collection eventually came to me through a vivid dream, acting as a sign that brought my relationship with God, my cherished friendships, and the conservative values of my family into perfect alignment. Since these pillars represent my most private and sacred connections, I initially felt exposed pitching the idea, and it took time to become fully comfortable sharing a story that spoke so deeply through my work. Through this journey, I learned that a designer must be firmly rooted in their identity and be open to vulnerability before the process even begins, as their creations eventually serve as an extension of their soul.