Manuela Cabrales is a London-based brand renowned for its high-quality wearables and home decor, born from a profound love for nature, a fascination with the world's cultural diversity, and a belief in uncovering beauty and deeper meanings in everyday objects. The brand's commitment to sourcing unconventional and unique materials infuses its products with unparalleled characteristics. Many of these materials, including lotus fiber, werregue palm, orange peels, and banana fiber, undergo intricate extraction and handcrafted treatment by skilled artisans. Collaborating with craftsmen from diverse communities and ethnic groups, traditional techniques are seamlessly integrated with modern designs, aiming to showcase not only crafts but also the respective cultures of the makers, drawing inspiration from rich traditions.

The brand comprises four distinct lines: made-to-order products crafted by artisans worldwide, ready-to-wear clothing, order-by-the-meter fabrics for upholstery, cushions, blinds, or any other home use, allowing for mix-and-match designs with different materials, and custom-made home decor. This diverse range reflects the dedication to offering unique and personalized pieces that celebrate sustainability, craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and the beauty of the natural world.

The Living Whole collection is inspired by the theory of interconnected nature, developed by Alexander von Humboldt, a renowned German naturalist and explorer. The theory suggests that everything in the natural world is interconnected and influences each other. Humboldt's experience climbing Chimborazo, a volcano in Ecuador, and his observations of how the fauna and flora changed throughout different thermal floors strongly influenced this theory. He observed that events in one thermal floor significantly impacted others, leading him to emphasize the importance of conserving every living creature on the planet, as even the smallest alteration would affect the whole.

In Colombia, Manuela’s hometown, where seasons are absent but weather varies with altitude, each thermal floor supports unique ecosystems, from high-altitude species like frailejones to lowland inhabitants like jaguars and lotus flowers. Each piece in the collection reflects not only this diversity but also how people have historically interacted with and integrated nature into their crafts across different thermal floors.

"We believe in the significance of embracing our origins and values while exploring the world that surrounds us," says Manuela Cabrales. "Through our curated selection of culturally inspired items, each with its own unique narrative, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and the interconnectedness of our world."

With a commitment to environmentally and ethically conscious practices, Manuela Cabrales sources eco-friendly materials, engages in fair and ethical collaborations with local communities, and celebrates the customs and traditions of artisans through photos, videos, and product narratives. This dedication to quality, sustainability, and community engagement forms the cornerstone of the brand's value, catering to a highly environmentally and socially conscious market seeking artful, sustainable, and community-driven products.