Behind the Ethical Design of Providence’s Bela Monde

Among the diverse businesses that make up the pulse of Providence’s Jewelry District is the showroom and studio of Bela Monde, an IYKYK fashion brand founded by creative luminaries Lisa Limer and Johnnie Chace. The duo’s endeavor seamlessly weaves together the worlds of photography, interior design, and ethical sourcing into every thread of its exquisite creations, and it all happens inside a historic brick Federal-style house on Chestnut Street.

The genesis of Bela Monde was sparked by a convergence of passions and a pivotal realization about the changing landscape of media. Limer, formerly a globe-trotting magazine photographer for publications including Conde Nast Traveler and Harper’s Bazaar, recalls the moment that ignited the idea for the venture. “The magazine world was in transition,” she begins. “The best years in that industry were ending with the advent of ubiquitous phone images replacing coffee-style magazines.” With an extensive collection of work, she decided to pivot to fabric, digitally printing her photographs onto 100 percent silk, which are then hand-sewn into scarves and loungewear.

Chace, with her background in historical projects and interior design, shared a similar affinity for textiles and color. Reflecting on their partnership, she emphasizes their complementary strengths. “Lisa’s attention to detail and my intuitive sense of color are key to our successful partnership,” she says. Together, they have meticulously crafted collections that blend Limer’s non-traditional patterns with Chace’s expertise in aesthetics, and a reverence for sustainable alpaca fiber. Popular signature items like Bela Monde’s oversized “boyfriend” coats are made from soft alpaca boucle yarn with smooth silk linings depicting Limer’s travel photos.

“In January 2024, we journeyed to the highlands at 13,500 feet to visit Pacomarca,” says Limer of the sustainable alpaca network based in Peru. “These animals live harmoniously with their environment,” she marvels. Limer has a deep family connection to the South American country, having visited and at times lived there since the late ‘70s. “Since environmental and social responsibility are core principles, working with the breeders and weavers of alpaca in the highlands of Peru was a natural alliance,” she says of the collaboration used for the brand’s coats and jackets.

“One of the core principles of our business is to design timeless pieces that remain
fashionable for years,” Limer emphasizes. This commitment to longevity, sustainability, and quality resonates deeply with their clientele, who value both the aesthetic allure and ethical integrity imbued in each garment. Looking ahead, Bela Monde is poised for expansion and innovation. “Our creativity has only improved with age! We have exciting collaborations in progress and new designs set to launch this fall,” she shares enthusiastically. Upcoming collections and events promise to elevate their presence nationally while staying true to their ethos of sustainability and craftsmanship. Learn more at BelaMonde.com.