Le Souk

Le Souk, operating under the domain lesouk.co, functioned as a B2B e-commerce platform dedicated to the sourcing of next-generation textiles for the fashion industry. The company was founded by Benita Singh, who also served as its CEO. Singh's journey into the textile industry was sparked by her prior experience as the co-founder of Mercado Global, a non-profit organization that connected Guatemalan female artisans with wholesalers. During her time there, she identified a significant disconnect between designers and their ability to source high-quality raw materials directly.

Addressing this market inefficiency became the core mission of Le Souk. The platform provided a digital solution for designers and buyers to search, sample, and procure quality materials directly from a global network of textile mills and tanneries. This model offered greater transparency and year-round accessibility, moving beyond the traditional limitations of seasonal trade shows and agent-based sourcing. The company's client base included prominent fashion brands such as Eileen Fisher, Proenza Schouler, and Calvin Klein, demonstrating its relevance and utility within the industry. The platform was a win-win, benefiting both the designers who gained access to a wider array of materials and the suppliers who reached a broader market.

Originally known as Source4Style, Le Souk secured funding through various stages, including angel investments, venture capital, and equity crowdfunding, to fuel its growth. The company played an active role in promoting industry advancements, such as partnering with the Danish Fashion Institute (DAFI) to advocate for sustainable textiles. In May 2019, Le Souk was acquired by SynZenBe, marking a significant milestone in its corporate history.

Keywords: textile sourcing, B2B marketplace, fashion technology, sustainable materials, fabric sourcing, raw materials, Benita Singh, Source4Style, textile industry, fashion supply chain, material discovery, online textile library, designer resources, apparel manufacturing, digital sourcing, SynZenBe, eco-conscious fabrics, textile trade, fashion e-commerce, materials procurement, global suppliers, design innovation, sustainable fashion, clothing production, textile innovation