Our Story
Thoughtfully designed dog accessories inspired by everyday life with our own dogs.
How Knala Began
Knala began with a simple question. Why don’t dog accessories receive the same care and attention we expect from the things we choose for ourselves.
For Lauren who grew up in South Africa surrounded by dogs that question kept coming up during daily walks with Maddie their Cavachon. The products available were either practical but not particularly stylish or stylish but not made with sustainable materials. Nothing felt considered in the way she wanted.
The Search for Something Better
After stepping away from her role in marketing and e-commerce to spend more time with her family Lauren began exploring new ideas. At first she looked into reselling existing brands but quickly realised the UK market was missing something she herself wanted to buy. There were plenty of bright trend-led products and plenty of functional options but very few that combined thoughtful design with a gentler approach to materials.
That realisation sparked something. Lauren and Martin began sketching ideas, exploring materials and testing early concepts. During their research they came across a design-led dog brand overseas which showed what was possible when style and function were treated equally. Inspired to create their own take on this with a calmer more refined aesthetic they set out to build a British brand shaped by their values and their dogs.
Designing Our Harness
The harness took the longest to get right. They wanted to create a design with multiple attachment points because every dog walks differently. They also knew from their experience with Charlie who doesn’t like her feet being touched that they needed a harness that didn’t require too much handling to put on. That led to their three buckle approach which allows the harness to be clipped on without lifting legs.
But this created a new problem. With the weight no longer distributed evenly on both sides the harness began to pull across Charlie’s body especially when she was running. After many adjustments and tests the solution became clear. They redesigned the front to include a V shaped breast pad which keeps the harness centred and comfortable even for active dogs.
Billie the Labrador soon joined the testing team adding her own enthusiastic approach to durability trials while Maddie made sure everything remained comfortable for calmer walks.
Why Knala Exists
Knala exists because dog owners deserve better choices. Many dog accessories today rely on synthetic materials and fast-turnover trends which often lead to products that don’t last long or suit everyday life.
Knala takes a different approach creating small collections designed to feel timeless using organic cotton bamboo webbing and high quality hardware chosen for longevity.
Where We Are Today
Lauren and Martin work from their studio in Sanderstead balancing family life with the day-to-day realities of a small independent business. They develop every product themselves and test everything on their own dogs first.
Knala remains a hands-on project shaped by thoughtful design choices, careful material selection and a genuine love for the dogs who inspired it.
Our Hope for Knala
Their hope is simple. To offer thoughtfully designed dog accessories that last to make everyday outings feel comfortable and easy and to build a brand that reflects their love for dogs and good design.
