Nusa means island.
Every Uma and Leopold piece is made in Bali. For Nusa, we took the boat across to the small islands off Bali's coast and shot the whole collection there: warm sand, woven walls, salt water and long days that start and end by the sea.
These are the moments from that trip, and how we dress for them.
Lara
1. Take the boat from Bali
Wear olive linen: the Bianca Top and Bianca Pants.
The Nusa islands, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, sit off Bali's south-east coast, a short fast boat ride from Sanur. Leave Bali early, when the sea is calm. Dress for spray and sun: something that dries fast, flat sandals and a hat.
2. Start the day at the water's edge
Wear: the Rebeca Maxi Dress, white cotton with a structured strapless bodice.
On the islands the best light comes early, before the heat builds. The sand is still cool, the water is glassy and the beach belongs to fishermen and seaweed farmers. Walk barefoot, take a dip and let the day decide itself.
3. Spend the afternoon in the shade
Wear: the Clara Top and Ember Maxi Skirt, a blush satin set that moves with every step. Layer it with the embroidered Yara Kimono.
When the sun is at its strongest, find shade under the palms and woven roofs. A book, a cold coconut and nowhere to be. Satin feels cool on the skin in the heat, and a matching set looks put together with no effort at all.
4. Choose linen for the heat
Wear: the Lorena Mini Dress, or the Carolina Midi Shirt Dress in the same carmine linen.
The islands are humid all year, and linen is the fabric that makes it easy. It breathes, it softens with every wash and it looks better a little creased. Our carmine red was chosen to glow against turquoise water and white walls.
5. Wear something made by hand
Wear: the Feather Mini Dress, finished with our exclusive handmade embroidery.
Handwork runs through our studio in Bali. The Feather is embroidered by hand, so each piece is slightly different from the next. It is the dress we reach for when we want something simple that still feels special.
6. Stay out for sunset
Wear: the Luana Mini Dress, or the Estela Shirt and Estela Shorts in our exclusive paisley.
From about five o'clock the islands turn gold, and sunset is a daily event. Find a spot on the rocks or the sand, watch the colour change over the water, then head on to dinner. A printed mini or a matching linen set takes you from the beach to the table without changing.
Nusa islands travel questions
What does Nusa mean?
Nusa means island in Indonesian. You hear it in Nusantara, the old name for the Indonesian archipelago, and in the three Nusa islands off Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
How do you get to the Nusa islands from Bali?
Fast boats leave from Sanur on Bali's east coast and take around 30 to 45 minutes to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are joined by a small bridge, so you can cross between them on foot or by scooter.
What should I wear on the Nusa islands?
Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and viscose. Loose shapes and matching sets keep you cool, a cover-up works for the boat, and a fluid maxi dress goes from the beach to sunset dinner. Pack flat sandals for boats, steps and sand.
Made in Bali, shot on the Nusa islands.
Shop the Nusa collection