Ocean Born

Ocean Born is a Spanish fashion label run by the Madrid based Ocean Born Foundation, which dedicates its profits to the protection and regeneration of the oceans. Its Ocean Born Lifestyle line offers clothing, swimwear, pyjamas and jewellery made largely from organic and recycled materials.

What is Ocean Born?

Ocean Born is the fashion arm of the Ocean Born Foundation, a Spanish foundation set up in Madrid in December 2020 by Carolina Manhusen Schwab and Martin Schwab to work on the preservation and regeneration of the ocean. Rather than relying on donations, the foundation funds its work through its own businesses, and its fashion activities operate on a non profit basis.

History

The consumer line, Ocean Born Lifestyle, launched in 2023, alongside Ocean Born Tailored, which produces uniforms for third parties. In January 2024 Marisa Selfa, formerly chief executive of North Sails Apparel, joined to lead both fashion businesses.

Products and positioning

The range covers tops, T-shirts, pyjamas, ponchos, swimwear and beachwear, together with jewellery in recycled sterling silver. Materials include GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel and ECONYL regenerated nylon for swimwear, and the brand uses no animal derived materials. Capsules have included an upcycled dead stock collection.

• Garments made in Alicante, Madrid and Portugal
• Jewellery handmade in Madrid
• Work with A Puntadas, a social workshop in Alicante

Why it matters

Ocean Born is an example of a foundation owned fashion model, in which the label exists to finance an environmental mission rather than to generate returns for shareholders.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ocean Born from?

Ocean Born is from Spain. It is run by the Ocean Born Foundation, which is based in Madrid.

Who founded Ocean Born?

The Ocean Born Foundation was founded in 2020 by Carolina Manhusen Schwab and Martin Schwab.

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