The Process | Our Philosophy

Cleobella’s design process starts in our Southern California based HQ, then our artisans in India and Bali are who make our fabrics and designs come to life. Our wholesale business is cut to order, eliminating as much overproduction as possible. All of our partners are chosen carefully and we personally work with them to ensure Cleobella's Ethical Trade Agreement standards are consistently met. There is a tremendous amount of precision and detail involved in every step of each process to make our products. All of the items we provide are created with expertise, precision, and are consciously made to be cherished. Our leftover fabric and leather from production is saved and used for future small projects. Our makers use their mastery to create items unlike anything else with intention, integrity, and purpose. We know the importance of being transparent with how our products are made. We want to share with you these processes so we can point out the areas we need to work on. It is because of these unparalleled heritage crafts Cleobella is able to thrive and continue this unmatchable, magical process of creating items that will be adored for many generations. This is why we design our products directly from our hearts, because things made with love and intention are meant to last. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives of everyone, everywhere. The Cleobella team has committed to those which we feel we can drive progress towards. This is our pledge to use the framework set out by the United Nations to help shift our world to a better planet for all.

UN SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production patterns are crucial to creating less waste. With roughly 65% of a product’s impacts being at the design stage, we take into account each and every detail to make all of our products with as little to no mistakes as possible. Having a reliable team abroad plays a huge role in the success of our products and the clean production process they provide to make our products. By continuing these heritage artisan practices we are able to uplift these makers and properly admire their traditional art of creating textiles for years to come. Cleobella believes strongly in the importance of goal 12 and how these efforts can truly shift the world for the better. 

Our giveback towards female artisans around the globe

IBU Foundation  is “Elevating Artisan Women, Fashioning Global Change” and uplifts the work of women artisans around the globe. Their investments provide design, leadership, and business training. As well as a safe workspace, tools, and supplies for these women. Every woman deserves to create freely without having to worry about expenses or other harmful variables. We are committed to supporting women artists, helping to provide creative opportunities, and supporting all women, everywhere. 

More of our Processes

Intentional Design Mantra: 

Cleobella’s styles are globally inspired and intentionally designed to be conscious of the environment and stand the test of time. Each versatile piece is designed to be a wardrobe staple that can be easily interchanged from day to night and cherished beyond current trends. Cleobella was created from the love and respect for generational traditions and wisdoms. All of our products are designed to be treasured and passed down for many years. To preserve the beauty of each piece, we recommend you hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry. 

Each style is one-of-a-kind:

Our products mimic the imperfect alterations nature forms into all living and nonliving things.  Our hand woodblock printed collections feature one-of-a-kind designs that are handcrafted by global artisans. This process is regarded as an ancient artform stemming from passed down traditional artisan techniques. Occasional variations in designs are due to the handmade process, making each piece as beautifully unique as you. 

Woodblock Printing: 

Cleobella’s hand woodblock printed designs embody the slowest and most traditional form of textile design in fashion. Our designs are first drawn in California and then undergo a collaborative process with our artists in India to finalize the print design. Our generational master woodblock makers then hand carve the print onto the teak woodblocks. The woodblocks are dipped into natural, non-toxic, water based, vegetable dyes like indigo or turmeric when possible, and transferred onto the fabric one-by-one. The woodblocks are pressed onto the fabric with extreme precision leaving a beautiful impression of the pattern. Our signature prints are truly wearable art and occasional variations in design are due to the handmade process, making each piece as unique as you. 

The Mexicana:

Our Mexicana wallet, a Cleobella classic best-seller, is made with leather that is hand-tooled by our artisans in Bali. We have been working with the same family since 2006. Although we’ve had opportunities to source lower prices, we are committed to our partners as they are a family just like us and we have grown our business together. Each wallet is a unique work of art and created completely by hand. Our leather suppliers in Bali and India work directly with the meat industry, ensuring low waste and using all materials. Majority of the scraps of leather are saved and used for future projects. 

Bali Bracelet: 

Our signature Bali bracelets are ethically sourced and hand crafted with recycled brass in Bali by our friend Arief, who we met over a decade ago. The brass is delicately molded through a heating and cooling process, and carved one-by-one in Arief’s village by his small but mighty team. They are truly a family business, as Arief's children are now old enough to help manage their production. Their method incorporates low waste of materials and artisanal expertise to create long lasting, high quality pieces. 

Handbags:

Cleobella’s expert leatherworking and elaborate designs are at the heart of every piece in our leather handbag collections. Our leather styles are made by our partner Harry, a master leather maker whom we have been working with for the last 12 years. We practice a zero waste process where the scraps of leather are used in other designs. Our leather suppliers in Bali and India work directly with the meat industry, ensuring low waste. Each bag is designed to be a timeless piece that is adored and cherished for generations and gets even better with age.

Hand Embroidery:

Our hand embroidered designs are made in India by small groups of family artisans. They use intricate detail and precision for every design. Each of Cleobella’s hand embroidered pieces tells a story and it's delicate nature makes this work of art an item to be treasured and passed down from generation to generation. Hand embroidery, historically, was a way to personalize clothing and show delicate prints and textures. To this day, our skilled artisans use hand embroidery to carefully create designs and patterns to make our clothing as unique as it's wearer. Occasional variations in the design are due to the handmade process, making each piece unique and special. These small stitches are added to select pieces to remind you that our embroidered pieces are crafted with patience and love by the hands of our artisan partners.