AOC hasn’t written about Bali-based brand Isa Boulder since 2021. And there’s no time to write about the best-intentions, ethically-produced, artisan-created brand today.

It’s the Spring/Summer 2024 Isa Boulder campaign that got our attention just now, featuring models Komomo Nakazono and Michiko Foy.

SJ Todd, art director of AnOther Magazine provides art direction for the campaign, with styling by Morgane Camille Nicolas. Talented photographer Guen Fiore [IG], who promotes herself as based in Paris but very Italian, captures the raw but sophisticated spirit of Isa Boulder. / Hair by Akemi Kishida; makeup by Anthony Preel

AOC’s Intro to Isa Boulder via Carlijn Jacobs

Friend of AOC photographer Carlijn Jacobs photographed the Isa Boulder Fall 2021 campaign, that brought the brand to our attention.

Vogue France expanded the brand’s narrative, storying founders Cecilia Basari and Yuli Suri as two friends living in Bali, with no experience in swimwear.

“Providing a bespoke service is definitely something we are proud of because we are able to make something for our wearers that is personally made with them in mind. By producing in small quantities we are also able to ensure that we do not overproduce and have unnecessary stock.” the duo told VF.

Anne in Bali

The brand and concept appealed to my own personal relationship with Bali, a place with deep appeal to our collective human experience and long history. I was in Jakarta headed for Bali when I learned about my first major Victoria’s Secret promotion to head of product development.

In Bali with my partner, I experienced one of those “they only happen to Anne” moments, which is buried somewhere in AOC. I will find it this weekend.

It was wonderful just now to intersect with Isa Boulder on Models.com and rekindle my interest in this exceptional project. ~ Anne