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Founded in Brooklyn by designer Georgia Baltay, LOVETHANKS is a lovely line of handcrafted pieces made from a place of (you guessed it) love and thanks. Each piece starts with a classic base, onto which Georgia adds hand-stitched organza bows, painted patterns, printed affirmations, and other special details, both subtle and overt. We asked Georgia about the creation of LOVETHANKS, ethical production practices, and her favorite pieces, below.
Tell us how LOVETHANKS got started.
I always knew I wanted to start my own line, but it came together sooner than I anticipated after graduating from design school during the pandemic and facing a tough job market. I worked in accessories, focusing on leather bags and knits, but I never stopped developing my own practice on the side. I started using my 1970s knitting machine to make hats. I also made stained glass jewelry using a technique I learned from my dad when I was trying to make lamps in high school.
When I saw people connecting with my designs, I knew it was time to pursue LOVETHANKS full-time. I loved seeing people interact with the things I made. It’s the best feeling in the world when someone sees themselves in one of my pieces, and I’m always chasing that.
What’s the story behind the name?
I appreciate simple words that everyone knows and feels. I wanted the name to be emotional and straightforward so that people could decide what it meant to them. I see this project as being very emotional but also minimal, in a way. I felt like LOVETHANKS represented that.
How do you incorporate sustainable and ethical manufacturing processes into your brand?
It’s important for me to keep a handcrafted element as the basis of all my pieces. This often means keeping production close to home or adding backhand elements in our studio—painting, dyeing, and printing. We only work with small family-run factories here in New York and Hong Kong, and I still make many of the pieces myself.
Being a small brand automatically incorporates sustainability—it just comes with having to be resourceful and ends up making things more special. It often makes sense to use deadstock material, make limited quantities, and keep things local.
Also, I’ve always been drawn to natural over synthetic materials. They feel better to live your life in. It’s all about creating something meaningful and mindful in our approach.
What are some of your favorite LOVETHANKS pieces?
I love the Balance Top in Diamond. The cotton jersey is one of my favorite fabrics, and I handpainted each one myself over the summer. The whole process was really meditative for me. My most worn pieces are probably the Spot Vest (I like the flint colorway) and the Chase Button-down.
What’s next for you and the brand?
Working on the next collection, more collaborations, and expanding into more mediums. I am so excited for the project to keep growing into something beyond just a “brand.”
