Collection: Belo
A British -Brazilian accessories brand designed to be kinder to people and the planet.
Opportunity is a beautiful thing, and one that we all take for granted. When Belo was established in 2017, it was done to create opportunities for those who are typically afforded fewer than the rest of us. The idea came about when founders Charlotte Bingham-Wallis and Maria Costa - two friends from opposite sides of the world - united over their shared experiences working with communities in Maria’s home country of Brazil. Belo was established as a way to sustainably create more opportunities for food, education and work - and give customers an opportunity to be a part of that too. Through each Belo product made and sold, they not only help to provide fair employment but also ongoing support for the community via our partner charity, Casa de Maria. Every purchase enables Casa de Maria to provide cooked meals for the vulnerable as well as ongoing sponsorship to Não era Amor, their sister charity providing necessary training to psychologists helping low income female victims of domestic violence
Eco Consciousness
Waste and poverty are intrinsically linked, with over 90% of waste being openly dumped or burnt in low-income countries. That’s why the brand is committed to using a socially responsible production and manufacturing process, adopting new, eco-friendly solutions and materials that are kinder to everyone and everything.
All Belo products are made using waste materials that were designed for landfill. To some, they’re waste. To the brand, they’re simply the right materials that ended up in the wrong products. So they found them a forever home in pieces that are really made to last. Belo is always learning about new techniques and ways to be kinder, from using all hydro-electric power in their workshops to making wallets from their offcuts, and only make their products in small batches to reduce the potential for surplus.
Social Consciousness
All Belo bags are crafted and manufactured to the highest quality and are produced by artisan workers in Brazil. Belo work with a talented team of artisans and a small co-operative of 24 amazing workers, who are escaping poverty by crafting award-winning handbags. At Belo, they are all respected, appreciated and paid fairly to be able to provide a comfortable (and dignified) life for their families.
Charitable
Through each Belo product made and sold, the brand not only helps to provide fair employment but also ongoing support for the community via their partner charity, Casa de Maria. Every purchase enables Casa de Maria to provide cooked meals for the vulnerable as well as ongoing sponsorship to Não era Amor, their sister charity providing necessary training to psychologists helping low income female victims of domestic violence
Award Wining Bags
In 2019, Belo was a finalist in two categories from the Independent Handbag Awards:
- The Lucia Woven Tote – For the Most Socially Conscious Handbag 2019 sponsored by Global Goods
- The Leka Tote – The Best Green Bag 2019 sponsored by Pinatex
From Belo also won The Best Green Bag of 2019.
In 2020, Belo was a finalist the Most Socially Conscious Handbag 2020 (by the Independent Designer Handbag Award), for the Blue Helena Boho Bag.
