Our Story
In 1993 l started my journey in designing and manufacturing active-wear when there was simply’’ pretty much’’ no decent active-wear around.
Needless to say active-wear has come a long way!
I stopped my business in 2018 and took a break. 25 yrs is a long time.
Over this time I shopped occasionally in store and could see how quality fabrics in particular were diminishing and many key styles that l know women love were no longer available. You simply had to look like the next person. Fitted tight and a low cut tank.
Thankfully l have the ‘’knowledge of the past’’ when it comes to fabrics and styles. This time round I hope that l can offer some of these fabrics and possibly some new options in amazing yet relatively simple styles that are really ‘’quite hard to find’’.
ORIGINS OF BELLA BUSTIERE AND FOUNDER – KATE DANAHER
Running, cycling, aerobics, step, swimming, - I partook in it all. As a traveler in the UK working in health clubs in the early 90’s I realized that it was seriously challenging to buy quality sportswear. Although l am only a “B” cup I felt that when l was teaching a class I had a lot exposed so l went searching for a crop top that offered support as well as quality.
Upon my return to Australia l took a role as the sportswear buyer for Daimaru Department Store. It was not long before l realized that there was a great opportunity in the Australian active sportswear market. I decided to combine my passion for quality clothing with my love for sport and sporting apparel. l soon decided to invest all my savings into the best crop top - the original Bella Bustiere. It soon became the essential crop top that all women wanted. I selected a perfect fabric that offered fabulous support and durability. Over the next 3 years the Bella Bustiere range expanded from the fabulous crop into tights, tanks, jackets, après gym wear to today's S-Lounge: where sport meets lounge.
Many of you who are familiar with the brand: have seen us in Rebel sport, Myer and David Jones in the past. Today we are now predominantly available online. Lets face it- with Bella, once you know your size you know it will fit, wash and wear well. Our new site shows you ‘The Look’ and ‘the fit’ and a size chart to help you select your size. We are always available for a chat just in case you are not sure.
We also have an excellent returns /exchange policy.
I hope you enjoy our new site and continue to support Australian fashion. We welcome your support online and look forward to your feedback.
-quality, durability, comfort, performance driven / enhanced and original
TRIED AND TESTED BY KATE DANAHER
Health and fitness are still integral to my life. Today l mainly bike ride and combine this with a gym workout. I am a regular at the local Iyengar yoga school in St Kilda. For those of you who are dog lovers my Aussie Shep- Henri keeps me very active. Not only does he wake me most mornings but he also welcomes me home with energy we all wish for at the end of a long day. Hence most garments still get tested by me on my daily afternoon walk with ‘’the woof’’ and of course at the gym and Yoga. I have a team of girls that test fabrics and styles season so season. They will sweat it out in their chosen class or take it on a long run and provide feedback to me on their experience. Furthermore, like most women l lounge around in Bella all weekend so if it doesn’t perform it does not make the range. I can assure you every garment and fabric gets a great test workout.
We hope you continue to appreciate and enjoy Bella Bustiere and whilst we can we will offer the quality and service we have built this brand on. Wearing functional, fabulous, stylish, elegant sportswear made with fabrics that look, feel and perform is what Bella aspires to.