Meet the Founder: Laura Rafalovica

Hi! I’m Laura, the founder and cardigan designer of Cardi Craze, and one half of the cardigan-obsessed duo behind the brand. You’ll usually find me in a local coffee shop, drawing with headphones on and a cardigan draped over my chair.

Originally from Latvia, I moved to the UK to study Film Production, and in doing so, I found more than just a creative career path. I met El (Elvira Guo), became friends, and through some experimentation, Cardi Craze was born.

I’ve always believed that visual language has the power to change how we feel. A beautiful film scene, a perfectly framed photograph, a golden-lit street, they all evoke something. So combining that feeling with the sensory comfort of a soft cardigan is heavenly.

Some of my favourite ideas come from tiny, seemingly insignificant moments. Watching a movie that makes me cry and laugh (my favourite is Everything Everywhere All At Once), sitting in the garden sun with a Sunday morning coffee, or just wandering through a flea market. These feelings of warmth, connection, and lightness are exactly what I try to bring with our cardigan designs.

I’m a quiet thinker by nature, observing more than sharing, but I’ve always found my voice in creative work. I used to follow trends (unsuccesfully), unsure of my own style, but starting Cardi Craze helped me find it. Now I wear what I want, when I want, whether that’s soft earthy tones or a bright dopamine pop. I think a lot of our customers relate to that freedom.

My personal favourites change daily, but I’ve got a soft spot for our Retro Sunrise cardigan. Designing it was an interesting process because I wanted to combine a vintage pattern with a pop of colour.

Now, Cardi Craze has grown into a colourful little corner of the world, with an international community that shares our love for comfort, self-expression, and cardis that spark joy. Whether you're a long-time collector or brand new here, I'm so glad you've found us!

– Laura 💛