Image: Cleobella. Wispers Dress
After all these posts I’ve been making pouring out my love for independent designers usually found at music festivals, I would be lying if I said I didn’t still peruse major retailers from time to time. Shopbop and Revolve are the top favorites, but because of being exposed to the little guys and the importance of more sustainable “slow fashion” efforts, I do my best to be conscious about what ethical brands might be available from those websites. Fortunately, there are several in the designer market that do care about humanitarian and earth-friendly practices. Last year I wrote about five sustainable brands found at Shopbop, one of them being Cleobella. I revisited this brand recently and figured it was worth highlighting them again!
Cleobella is a company founded in Bali by Jim and Angela O’Brien due to the rich heritage of the island. The brand was “born on open roads,” based on founder Jim’s love for surfing and a trip around the world in search of the perfect waves. The two made a promise to appreciate the uniqueness in everything and everyone they crossed paths with, which is reflected in everything the brand has to offer. While in Bali, the two fell in love with the culture, and Cleobella was born to give back. By providing work to Bali’s artisans, the brand helps provide a sustainable income to create a positive impact on the entire community. Every product is meticulously made by hand. Bags and accessories are hand-tooled with recycled metals, limited edition textiles and leathers found locally in Bali. In addition, a percentage of every sale is donated to CARE.org to empower women in South East Asia.
I found a ton of beautiful dresses, tops and bags at Revolve, Shopbop and the Cleobella site itself to share to show how beautiful this brand really is! Here are my favorites!
Image: Cleobella. Ari Dress and Wednesday Striped Jacket
Image: Revolve. Marna Jumpsuit, Tegan Slip Dress and Nash Jumpsuit
Image: Revolve. Suki Short Dress, Nebula Slip Dress and Ahara Slip Dress
“Our company was born on open roads. Jim’s love for surfing was the catalyst for a year long adventure, where we set out to discover waves around the globe. Our one goal was to embrace the soul in everything and everyone we met. Our collection is inspire by those stories you can’t always explain, but can never forget.”
Image: Revolve. Amery Maxi, Becket Slip Dress and Pranay Top with Devansh Skirt
“We founded the company in Bali because we were changed forever by this part of the earth, so enormously full of love, tradition and simplicity. It made sense to give back by embracing the lifestyle. Bali’s heritage, patterns and people remain at the heart of Cleobella. Our work with local artisans helps to provide a sustainable income each year, which helps to make a positive impact on the surrounding community.”
Image: Revolve. Reed Top and Nicobar Top
Image: Revolve. Anton Blazer and Persea Top
“Cleobella’s intricate process is signature to our brand, creating every product individually by hand makes each design a timeless work of art. Every bag and accessory is skillfully made with quality leathers, hand tooling, recycled metals and limited edition textiles sourced locally in Bali.”
Image: Revolve. Irene Tote and Liz Weekender Bag
Image: Revolve. Springs Basket Bag and Florence Mini Circle Bag
“Cleobella’s handmade process allows us the pleasure of personally working with local artisans and small factories, creating jobs and sustainable incomes in Bali, Indonesia. In addition, Cleobella gives a percentage of all sales to empower women in South East Asia through CARE.org.”
Image: Revolve. Tary Crossbody and Thunderbird Clutch
“Cleobella is confident, beautiful and inspiring. She is a free-spirited Bohemian Goddess. Her style and sensibility is effortless. She is a lover of life, nature, people and adventure. Cleobella is my Mother, Cleobelle – born in Northern Ireland, a hippie child of the 1970s living the beach life in Southern California. She is the shining light in my life!”
Image: Shopbop. Ynez Backpack and Abrigo Clutch
Image: Cleobella.
Shop more from Revolve here, Shopbop here, and visit Cleobella’s website here.
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