About

Base Isle is an eco-conscious clothing label inspired by The Seychelles. Base Isle combines the concept of traditional resort wear for men and women, with the vision of transforming the way we appreciate sustainably sourced material and artistry work. 

The founder, Melissa, is an American-born, Chinese Seychellois. Like many immigrant families, her parents moved 8,500 miles to America to provide a better life for their children. From age 6, Melissa expressed an early interest in fashion, which was instilled in her by her mother, a self-made seamstress and business owner, operating out of the basement of their home. After her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010, Melissa watched her slowly lose the ability to do what she loved most: sew. As the disease advanced in recent years, Melissa made a promise to herself and her mother that she would finally create the brand they once dreamed of together. 

With the desire to pay homage to her roots, Melissa merged this passion for artistry work with inspiration drawn from her mother and home island. And with this, Base Isle was born.

In an ongoing search for new partnerships and native sustainable fibers, Base Isle’s larger ambition is to embolden pan African artisans as a collective and provide global exposure to local creatives and communities. The overarching vision is to not only support African artisans, but also found a company that focuses on sustainable practices that will be critical to the island’s survival.

The logo was inspired by the main island of Seychelles, Mahe. Each collection is named after a different island within the archipelago, with each item taking its name from a member of Melissa’s family. The name "Base" is a tribute to the cherished memories of her mother, where they spent time sewing together in the basement of their home. "Isle" honors the beauty and spirit of the island itself.

Thank you for your support! Your purchase means more than you know and I hope you continue to follow Base Isle on this journey as we grow. - Melissa