Introducing Bel Kazan: Socially Conscious Clothing from Bali

by Colleen Hofmann

When visiting the island of Bali, Indonesia, designer Belinda Kazanci fell in love with the bold colors, lush jungles, and delicate flowers of her surroundings. Inspired by the color and richness of the island, Belinda uprooted her life in Los Angeles to realize her dream: Bel Kazan.

Model Harmony Joy // Photo by Harmony Joy

She has built a socially and environmentally responsible apparel line, embodying the empowered, adventurous, and independent spirits of modern women. Bel Kazan showcases the beauty of Indonesia in every facet of its company from its production process and materials to its team members.

Curated materials
Bel Kazan takes its environmental responsibility seriously. Designed to have a minimal footprint, Bel Kazan fabrics, dyes, and other materials are carefully selected to create minimal waste. Bel Kazan selects fabrics safe from pesticides and harmful chemicals. Bel Kazan apparel uses fabrics like organic and ramie cotton, Tencell™ Lyocell, cellulose-based rayon spandex, and knit fabric from an OEKO-TEX® 100 certified mill.

Model Benita Robledo // Photo by Emily Hess

Traditional printing processes
Through methods like hand printing and batik, Bel Kazan fabrics bring the rich history of Indonesia to life. Hand printing, popularly known as screen printing, uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto an underlying layer of cloth. The ink is transferred to the cloth, except for the places blocked by a stencil. Another popular Bel Kazan pattern features batik, a wax-resistant dyeing technique that originated in Indonesia in the sixth century. The artisans artfully apply the wax to areas of the cloth meant to be undyed, often in dots and lines. The fabric soaks in the dye. Later in the process, water removes the wax.

 
Model Miranda Hess // Photo by Emily Hess

Beautiful people of Bali
Bel Kazan has worked with the same Balinese team for over 15 years. In fact, a husband and wife duo manage the production factory. They both assisted with its construction and staffed the facility with residents from their village, Klung Kung. The Bel Kazan team developed a skill training program for employees to build marketable experience in hemming, sewing, beading, and other techniques. They also implemented a policy to ensure women could work out of their homes to care for their children. All Bel Kazan employees also receive a living wage 50% higher than the industry average in Bali.

Bel Kazan designer Belinda Kazanci, and Sophie Stargazer owner Kristin Snyder at Coterie Tradeshow in NYC, September 2019.

Shop bold prints and effortless silhouettes from Bel Kazan sure to take you from day to night.