Cecilia Basari «we delve into the realm of possibilities, seeking to refine the finishing touches of each garment and sculpt its silhouette by manipulating the tension of the knitwear»
Isa Boulder – a collective of designer, business partner, and Balinese knitwear artisans
Designer Cecilia Basari and her team are the driving forces behind the label Isa Boulder. Basari, originally born in Jakarta, Indonesia, pursued her formal education at Central Saint Martins in London but returned to her roots after completing her studies. Her brother’s relocation to Bali influenced this decision, prompting Basari to follow suit. After several years away, a longing for family and the realization that intensive fashion studies had left little room for exploring other professional disciplines prompted Basari to consider different career paths before embarking on the journey of creating her own label.
the freedom to wear swimsuits in Bali and the craftsmanship of their local artisans – Isa Boulder
«In Bali, the freedom to wear swimsuits in various settings prevails, with no sense of impropriety due to the tropical island’s climate. Given the widespread use of swimwear, it’s nearly impossible not to be inspired by the idea and craft designs that harmonize with the weather».
The creative duo expresses their profound hope that their designs serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of their local artisans. Their philosophy revolves around the idea that all things of quality require time and attention. Even in production, they are steadfast in their commitment to treating their in-house seamstresses and freelance artisans with the utmost respect. Rather than imposing factory-like production quotas, they provide these skilled individuals the necessary space and time to flourish in their craft. This approach underscores their dedication to nurturing the artistry of their team.
«Our creative process involves continuous experimentation with yarns and techniques. We delve into the realm of possibilities, seeking to refine the finishing touches of each garment and sculpt its drape and silhouette by manipulating the tension of the knitwear. The true satisfaction lies in the ability to take an ordinary and straightforward yarn and, through attention to the details, completely transform a garment’s tactile experience and character».
Cecilia Basari, Isa Boulder, and the contradictions of eco-conscious fashion
Basari also expresses her ongoing fascination with computerized knits, acknowledging the allure of their lower cost and the final product’s appearance. In contrast, handmade pieces carry a distinct human touch, making them less disposable in the eyes of many. Whether produced by hand or through computerized means, knits are recognized for their environmentally friendly production methods, which generate minimal material wastage. The concept of eco-conscious fashion may sometimes appear contradictory. Still, Basari’s interpretation aligns with the idea of a system that can keep pace with the rate of garment production. They advocate not only for purity in production but also for allowing designs the time and space to be appreciated over a more extended period than current fashion cycles permit.
The inherent fragility of knitwear, its proximity to the body, and its ability to provide warmth naturally evoke sentimentality among wearers. This deep connection prompts individuals to care for these garments and appreciate their value, challenging the notion of redundancy within the fashion industry, where items are often deemed obsolete after just a few months or years.
Isa Boulder takes immense pride in offering a bespoke service that tailors creations to the individual preferences of their wearers. This personalized approach allows them to craft items with the wearer’s needs and desires. In particular, Basari recognizes the challenges women with specific cup sizes face in the swimwear market, where standardized sizing can often lead to ill-fitting options.
An healthy work environment at Isa Boulder – eco-conscious practices
Developing further, the creative duo has plans to expand into shoemaking. «We aspire to explore a potential collaboration with a shoe company, bringing together our passion for knitwear with the expertise of an established firm. The prospect of working together with professionals who can master the intricacies of ergonomics and technical design is particularly intriguing».
Maintaining fashion demand and reaching toward potential collaborations, would it be feasible to expand while maintaining a solid commitment to eco-conscious practices? «The ideal scale is one where our team can experience continual growth and have the space to immerse themselves in their craft while nurturing new ideas. Navigating the business world as a young brand often leads to chaos and challenges in maintaining consistency. Building a company of dedicated individuals with the same passion level is occasionally elusive. Yet, when the team aligns with a joint mission, it fosters an environment where the shared triumphs and occasional struggles become valuable and, at times, worth the effort. Our aspiration includes participating in Paris Fashion Week, a platform that offers an opportunity to present our work to a broader and more diverse audience».
Isa Boulder – SS2024 collection in Paris and the Macramé technique
A SS2024 collection in Paris highlights the intricate Macramé technique, showcasing the brand’s commitment to this labor-intensive craft. Macramé takes center stage within the collection, underscoring the brand’s deep reverence for this time-honored skill.
The continuous conversation of volumes, techniques, colors, and silhouettes, seamlessly blended with traditional expertise and innovative elements, remains a genetic element of Isa Boulder’s universe. Their enduring focus on handmade craftsmanship remains a defining hallmark, emphasizing the values of patience and deliberateness in fashion.
Isa Boulder in Bali, talking about design, work environment and colleagues
«The presence of dedicated colleagues who inspire me and share my obsession with our designs continues to drive me forward. Despite being situated on the island of Bali, I spend most of my time within the confines of the office. Even in this setting, my view is dominated by the glow of fluorescent lights throughout the day».
The idea that individuals in the fashion industry grapple with demanding work hours may be perceived as a stereotype. Still, from Basari’s perspective, it’s a reality that cannot be refuted.
Isa Boulder
Isa Boulder is a womenswear label dedicated to the beautiful and imperfect nature of the hand-made process while championing local production and artisans.
