Welcome to AELOO! We are not just another label; we are a community of passionate designers and advocates, who believe in the power of sustainability and ethical fashion.
Our Origin
AELOO was brought to life by its founder, Monica Valderrama, who spent over 14 years honing her craft in the fashion industry as a designer, working for both boutique labels and corporate brands. From a tender age, her enthusiasm for the arts, specifically for designing clothes, was remarkably evident. A series of fashion internships and an apprenticeship in patternmaking opened the doors to her first job as an assistant.
As Monica's career advanced, she felt disconnected from the hands-on creative process she adored, confined behind a screen. The industry's rapid shift towards outsourcing and wasteful practices took a toll. In response, AELOO was born - a sustainable fashion label with innovative designs and a commitment to Mother Earth. With unwavering passion, Monica brought her cherished mission to life, equipped with patterns, fabrics, and a vision for change.
“It was always my dream, bringing beauty to this world is what every artist hopes for, but now it has become a mission. Quality over quantity has been my ethos since an early age. Mending, altering my clothes in order to keep it for as long as possible. We want to use our platform to inspire others to shop sustainably and to care for their clothes. One day I want to pass on my favorite dress to my daughter and I hope I can teach her to cherish it like I did."
- Monica Valderrama, Founder and Designer of AELOO
Our Inspiration
The genesis of AELOO's first eco conscious collection can be traced back over years of thoughtful creation, with our muse being none other than Mother Nature herself - more specifically, the ethereal beauty of the Ocean.
In one instance, submerged approximately twenty feet under the crystal-clear waters, Monica (our Founder and Designer) was gently swayed by the rhythmic motions of the ocean. As she gazed upwards, she found herself spellbound by the mesmerizing spectacle of the waves above. They rolled and crashed, casting shimmering silver reflections, much like fabric unfurling in the wind. This panoramic vista was awe-inspiring, unlike anything she had experienced before during her diving expeditions. This moment, frozen in time in Cozumel, Mexico, in 2016, carved a lasting impression on her, which she sought to capture and convey in AELOO's designs.
The unique construction of AELOO's garments, with seams gracefully enveloping the body and an inherent asymmetry, draws inspiration from the undulating waves of the ocean - their fluid shapes, devoid of straight lines. The circular ruffles incorporated into the designs aim to mimic the perpetual motion of the waves, capturing their playful and feminine spirit. As one moves in the garments, they'll notice how the fabric comes to life, mirroring the ever-moving, ever-changing nature of the ocean. This, in essence, is what inspires each piece in AELOO's collection.
We hope you'll join us on our journey to create a more sustainable fashion industry. Explore our website to learn more about our collection and how you can make a difference!