Bella + Frank: INSECTARIUM

As Creative Director for the brand I co-designed the garments, prints and creative/art directed the Autumn 20 photo shoot: Insectarium. I also designed the branding, look book and social media marketing profiles. Insectarium; Bella and Frank’s first Autumn/Winter collection is dedicated to the little creatures that accomplish big feats of nature every day. From bees and other pollinators without which we would not have food that we eat to the those who help us maintain our soil health and make it possible for plants and crops to grow, insects are some of the planet’s most glorious creatures. Sometimes underestimated and often unappreciated, these tiny creatures are literally the life-sustainers of our ecosystem. Sustainability is both a practice and a goal at Bella + Frank. We approach each garment individually to consider the feasibility of circularity as well as carbon footprint. Each one of our decisions is based on what we believe would make the least impact on the environment. For AW20, we are proud to say that the entire collection uses recycled and sustainable fabric alternatives including pesticide-free and recycled materials all sourced and manufactured in Europe. Versatile and playful, Insectarium is a celebration of the possibilities of garment construction and detail, an architectural offering in reference to the exoskeleton of insects. You will discover versatile and intricately made pieces with detachable parts and reversible wear, undeniably multi-textured shell-like outerwear, as well as layered pieces and cocoon-ish jumpers. Garments inspired by insects with shedding layers, the multi-wear pieces reaffirm the designer’s commitment to circular fashion. Mother and daughter, Lesley and Hannah launched the brand in 2019 to introduce eco-consciousness to young minds in order to help raise a generation of environmentally aware consumers. Bella + Frank is named after two of the world’s cheekiest Italian Greyhounds. With decades of experimenting with different printmaking techniques from collagraph to lino, the Brighton based artistic duo, and great admirers of Matisse and Modigliani believe that art can ignite change in both an individual and a community. By translating their work into adventurous and playful kidswear designs we firmly believe that if you’re seeking to inspire children there is, perhaps, no better way to do so than with what they interact with every day: clothes that are dynamic, artistically-designed and consciously made.