Another new fashion brand on the local Macau scene is Alta Bella by Bella Horner. Established in August last year, Alta Bella is a pro-ethical and artisanal swimwear and resort wear brand, producing sustainable, handmade, reversible seamless swimwear and high-end resort wear.
“Our goal is to promote body positivity and female empowerment through our different campaigns,” explains Bella. “My journey as a fashion designer started during the first Covid lockdown in Macau. In search of a meaningful outlet for my creativity, I decided to create swimsuits for every woman; something they would be comfortable and proud to wear, something guilt free.”
This year was the brand’s debut at the Macao Fashion Festival, showcasing the 2023 Resort Wear Collection.
“Our design materials are mostly different types of silk such as mikado, gazar and organza. We also have designs made of organic linen and organic cotton,” explains Bella. “The focus is femininity with a touch of vulnerability, the freedom to express and be completely comfortable in one’s own skin; women loving their bodies and cheering each other on.”
“This was our debut show so it was very exciting and at the same time a little bit scary. But the organizers ensured we had all the support we needed,” she adds.
As a predominantly online business, technology is an important factor in promoting the brand.
“We are going full blast with our social media presence because ours is an online business and we aim to focus more on community involvement. We are still expanding and growing as a brand and as a developing community of empowered women. We have more design shows planned for next year.”
Regarding this year’s focus on the Metaverse, Bella believes it can present opportunities for brands with an eco-friendly approach.
“For a small brand like Alta Bella, this is an opportunity to discover different aspects to grow our business. With the current trends in technology, maybe this will help us find solutions to problems the fashion industry is facing such as marine pollution due to toxic waste emissions by factories producing textiles.”
Bella started her brand in the middle of the pandemic, but is hopeful that things can get back to normal soon.
“I feel like this year’s Macao Fashion Festival represents a re-birth for the local fashion industry. Maybe the challenges from the past two years have helped us innovate, grow and learn about what and what not to do when it comes to our brands or businesses. They have been reflective and transformative years in my honest opinion.”
