Auralís, the fashion brand: An Eco Venture

2009-2014

Auralís was a sustainable resort-wear brand with an Urban Tropical® aesthetic, designed and manufactured between New York City and Puerto Rico. Prioritizing a harmonious relationship with the planet, the collection featured timeless, practical, and fashion-forward pieces made with organic, natural, and recycled materials. Using low-impact textile processing and natural dyes, Auralís ensured a minimal environmental footprint. Production was rooted in responsible manufacturing, fostering strong collaborations with vendors and artisans as part of a collective design effort that considered the entire product lifecycle.

Our Approach: Longevity

Sustainability guided every aspect of our brand, from circular design to responsible production. We prioritized longevity, transparency, and minimal waste, ensuring each garment was well-made to last. Balancing timeless and fashion-forward design, we used recycled paper hangers, biodegradable plantable hangtags, and collaborated with artisans like Balmaseda and Luiny donating fabric scraps for repurposing into yarn and accessories. Customers were encouraged to return garments for mending and re-imagining, closing the loop and reinforcing our commitment to a giving, not-taking relationship with the planet.

Garment Care

Our garments were easy to care for, requiring only cold water washing and air drying, eliminating the need for dry cleaning. With no widespread access to organic dry cleaners, we prioritized machine- and hand-washable fabrics. Customers still reach out for care advice on pieces made over 12 years ago, a testament to their longevity.

Our Supply Chain

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We used organic, ethically sourced fabrics, including organic cotton, artisanal silk, recycled fibers, and upcycled dead-stock materials. Every garment was labeled with details on its origin and production, and we welcomed customer inquiries about our sourcing.

Our Manufacturing: NYC & PR

We produced most garments in New York City and, when possible, in Puerto Rico, ensuring fair labor practices and living wages for vendors and collaborators. Regular visits maintained transparency, and efforts in Puerto Rico supported fair trade and job creation, including Auralís’ slow fashion initiative, Retazo. 

Our Fair Trade Collaborations

Auralís collaborated with Puerto Rican artisans to develop hats and belts that honored the island’s rich craft traditions. Isaac Laboy Moctezuma created Cupey tree hats and belts, signing each piece, while Edwin Marcucci handcrafted bangles in Adjuntas. The Cupey tree, endemic to the Caribbean, provided natural, fallen roots for materials, ensuring a sustainable, harm-free process.

Our Causes: Stronger Together

Puerto Rico, the world's longest-held colony, once thrived in garment manufacturing but now faces industry decline. Auralís, alongside Higher Fashion, Concalma and Puerto Rico Diseña, worked to revitalize the sector by collaborating with designers, artists, and craftsmen locally and globally. Through these partnerships, we showcased talent, preserved craft, and advocated for causes aligned with our values, including:

  • Canopy Initiative: We have been and still are committed to safeguarding ancient and endangered forests, as detailed in our pledge.

  • Chicapreneurs: This was a vibrant community that fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among creative entrepreneurs and cultural innovators.

  • Puerto Rico Diseña Was an online platform that spotlighted independent designers, makers, collectives, and local brands, which formed the nucleus of the island's thriving creative community.

  • Merodea:  A platform where Auralis contributed guest articles on ethical fashion choices.

  • Design in Puerto Rico: This was a business platform that empowered Puerto Rican designers to develop, promote, and export their products.

  • Puerto Rico Higher Fashion: This was a series of workshop events that provided local fashion entrepreneurs and industry affiliates with premier resources to advance their ventures.

If you'd like to learn more about the Puerto Rico Sustainable Fashion Scene today, check out Modo Conciente.