My name is Barbara Ebbli, Italian born & raised in Ivory Coast, Indonesia, the United States, Europe; founder of Malaika, registered brand in 2019, in Turin/Italy.
It means “Angel” in Swahili, giving out a message of unicity through natural, diverse and sustainable elements, specifically the natural shells and an archive of upcycled fabrics collected over the years, around the world.
My focus is to bring back the Italian handmade products through the continents I have lived in with a message of Unity through Diversity; the idea of not working on mass-production but on the single, one-of-a-kind item that can become part of anyone, anywhere; giving out that sense of being a true citizen of the world into my Jewel alongside my Couture Fashion pieces. Malaika reinforces and prizes artisan-made quality over quantity through its distinctive yet eclectic style!
I have come up with the idea of creating a true Shell-Jewel, hand-worked with an innovative patented technique by me and my goldsmith allowing it to be as versatile as one wants; hence my Jewels can also be appreciated for special occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, special events etc…
My couture Fashion pieces go hand in hand with perfection showing how beautiful and elegant things are when they are not lost in the single detail but when form, art and design achieve the perfect balance… Malaika is that perfect balance combining true Italian tailoring with Asian roots such as Batik and hand-painted art (by artist Sarah Bowyer) altogether to achieve the ultimate wearable artwork.
The goal behind my mini collections is Slow Fashion but most of all the distinctiveness within each style. Instead of chasing trends, Malaika utilizes enduring styles with layering options to create classic yet authentic pieces through the use of fabrics collected over time, therefore aiming to reduce the textile waste.
There are 3 sizes per style, each one worked out differently to highlight their irreplicability.
It is of utter importance to emphasize the uniqueness and singleness of each piece as each one stands on its own despite being part of an ensemble.
Finally, Covid Pandemic gave me the drive to find inspiration during the hardest times. I managed to stay focused on my project, through the web with my IG page @malaika_barbara_ebbli and my website www.malaika.biz making as many connections and collaborations as possible with 3 significant live events in 2021 and an exhibition @MAO_Torino (museum of oriental art) throughout summer 2021.
I am currently currently featured on LaBelle Magazine Summer 2022 – USA & International Edition I – II with “Urban Jungle” 4 model pieces of Jewelry & Fashion.
I am featured in Florida / USA on www.arielsvibes.com
I was invited at Circolo dei Lettori in March 2022 with a title dedicated to this particular post-covid year: “Colpo di scena in the year of the Tiger”!
In January 2022, invited to PITTI collateral Fashion Show, Firenze organized by the Italian casting association @CastingRagazzi.
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