Meet the Team: Rita Millat, Visual Merchandising Consultant

At Lakeland Leather, we take pride in not just our fantastic product range but also in the people who help bring our brand to life. One of those key figures is Rita Millat, our Visual Merchandising Consultant. Having worked with Lakeland Leather for some time, Rita has played an integral role in shaping our in-store visual experience. With the launch of our latest womenswear collections, we’re thrilled to continue this partnership in the digital sphere with her expert styling advice.

Rita Millat: Our Styling Guru

A seasoned VM expert, Rita Millat has an exceptional talent for transforming retail spaces into inviting and engaging environments. With a deep-rooted passion for design and all things fashion, she has spent years perfecting the art of visual storytelling through merchandising. When her journey with Lakeland Leather began, Rita worked closely with the team to ensure that collections are displayed in a way that truly captures the brand’s essence. Her ability to blend aesthetics with functionality has played a key role in enhancing the shopping experience for Lakeland Leather customers.

One of the things Rita loves most about working with Lakeland Leather is the sense of community within the brand. She finds immense joy in collaborating with the passionate individuals who make up the Lakeland team. The fact that Lakeland Leather is a UK-based heritage brand also resonates with her deeply, as she appreciates the dedication to quality craftsmanship and timeless style.

When it comes to her personal style, Rita has a particular fondness for the Kendal jacket in all its colour variations. She adores the versatility of this classic leather piece, which seamlessly transitions between casual and more polished looks. For Rita, the Kendal jacket is a wardrobe essential that embodies both elegance and practicality.

Outside of her work, Rita finds happiness in life’s simple pleasures. “A nice cup of coffee makes me smile, nature, and people watching from the window of a cafe. I just find it extremely entertaining.” Finding joy in the little moments, Rita carries this over into her approach to styling - encouraging customers to find pieces that bring them confidence and happiness.

Styling Inspiration: Introducing Our New Womenswear Collections

With Rita’s styling expertise, we’re excited to help you embrace new styles this season. Our latest womenswear collections - Hill Top and Langdale - are inspired by the breath-taking landscapes of the Lake District, featuring soft, earthy tones and natural hues that reflect the beauty of our surroundings. Sustainability is also at the heart of our designs, with conscious fabric choices such as cotton and recycled materials playing a key role.

Among Rita’s top picks from the collection is the Paloma knitted vest, a standout and on-trend hero piece that offers endless styling versatility. This chic vest can be dressed up or down, making it a true wardrobe staple. Wear it over a crisp white blouse for a polished, layered look, or pair it with a printed shirt to add a touch of pattern and texture. It’s a piece that transitions beautifully through the seasons - team it with lightweight layers in spring or throw it over a roll-neck jumper in cooler months. One of Rita’s favourite ways to wear it? Styled simply with denim, allowing the soft blue tone to complement classic jeans for an easy yet refined outfit. This is the kind of go-to piece that works year-round, seamlessly blending into a capsule wardrobe.

From versatile outerwear pieces that effortlessly transition through the seasons to fresh spring hues that brighten up any wardrobe, our latest collections offer something for everyone. And let’s not forget about our brand-new ladies’ rainwear collection! Fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable, the Misty and Brook jackets are designed to keep you stylish and protected, whatever the weather.

The Perfect Pairing: Womenswear & Leather Jackets

One of the most exciting aspects of our new womenswear collections is how seamlessly they pair with our signature leather jackets. Designed to complement each other, these pieces offer the perfect blend of timeless elegance and everyday practicality. “I love how the soft textures and fresh hues of the new womenswear line contrast beautifully with the rich, classic feel of Lakeland’s leather jackets.” Whether layering a lightweight knit under the structured silhouette of the Kendal jacket or pairing a flowy blouse with a sleek biker style, the possibilities are endless.

Rita’s styling tips highlight how a well-chosen leather jacket isn’t just a statement piece - it’s a wardrobe staple that integrates effortlessly into everyday outfits. Too often, leather jackets are saved for special occasions, but Rita’s expertise shows how they can be styled for any setting, from casual daywear to polished evening ensembles. With the right layering and complementary pieces from our new collection, your leather purchase can become one of the most versatile investments in your wardrobe.

Stay Connected for More Styling Tips

As we move forward with our exciting partnership, Rita will be sharing styling tips, outfit inspiration, and expert advice across our platforms. Keep an eye on Lakeland Leather’s social media channels. Head over to our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – plus, don’t forget to follow Rita Millat for even more fashion insights. There’s so much more to come this year - watch this space!