Here’re this month’s conscious brands we think you’ll love. Say hello to four sustainable clothing brands modelled by two social entrepreneurs encouraging us all to ditch single-use containers.
We got lucky at the end of 2019 and spent a couple of weeks living the digital nomad life in Bali. There’s something about this pocket of Indonesia that restores and rejuvenates even the weariest of souls. With spirits revived, it became an opportunity for us to meet several new, unique eco-friendly brands. To celebrate, we teamed up with two beautiful social entrepreneurs from Muuse (an organisation on a mission to decrease single-use takeaway waste) to showcase the beautiful brands we love right now. Our photoshoot took place in a seriously special jungly villa, with our very own Paula Miquelis behind the camera. Here’re the results.
Brescia Bercane
In 2018, two French business-savvy creatives met by chance in Bali and Brescia Bercane was born. Fast forward to now, and its first capsule collection of hand-drawn printed sarongs has delivered commercial success and spawned an entire range featuring swimwear, clothing, homeware, and art. #WhoMadeMyClothes is at the forefront of the Brescia Bercane philosophy. It knows who makes every product – from who’s stitching the fabric through to who’s dying it. And under what conditions. If bright colours and bold prints are your ‘thing’, Brescia Bercane should be on your radar.
Aya Sacred
We discovered Aya Sacred during an evening well spent at Bali Dacha. Which, by the way, If you’ve never visited, is one to add to the list; recently opened to the public, this stunning private villa is home to a spa, sauna, and treehouses and is the perfect place to unwind. We digress, behind Aya Sacred is an ultra-talented designer who designs and handcrafts each of the unique pieces. The collection is inspired by ancient spirituality, spanning cultures from South America to Asia. It champions natural fabrics including organic cotton and bamboo, and if you’re looking for something that will make you feel special (check out the boho wedding dresses!), it’s one to watch.
Eleven44
OK, so technically Eleven44 isn’t a new discovery. We’re long-time fans of its minimalist comfort basics, streetwear, and athleisure capsule collections. But we couldn’t do a shoot in Bali without them. Founder Linda Morkos (who by night happens to be a damn good DJ on the Bali club scene), is passionate about supporting the eco-farming movement and works with cottage industry in Bali to produce its small-batch clothing and jewellery lines.
A Vintage Tale
Because everyone needs a kimono in their life. Especially when in Bali; it’ll take you from chilling out at the beach to dressing up at night. This 60’s inspired gem comes from the chicest vintage shop in Singapore: A Vintage Tale. It’s the baby of an incredibly stylish Italian woman who will warmly welcome you into her treasure chest filled with colour pop garments and jewellery from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. If you love vintage, head to the East Coast and check it out.
Muuse
Our models are two social entrepreneurs fighting the fight against single-use takeaway plastic in Bali, Singapore, and Hong Kong at Muuse.
Bulgarian born Velina worked in finance in Hong Kong for three years before moving into the world of tech and sustainability. 18 months ago she switched the office for the beach and landed a job as Bali lead at Muuse.
Brittany is a born and raised Texan with a background in hospitality and the medical cannabis industry in California. After attending an eco-sustainability conference in Singapore, she met Muuse founder, Brian, and demonstrated interest and passion in joining the Muuse movement. She’s been working with the team since February 2019.
New to the Muuse concept? Find out how it’s revolutionising the world, one reusable at a time here.
All photography: Paula Miquelis