BLS Athletic began as a quiet idea in the background of Bella Leaf Studio — a thought that kept resurfacing every time I designed a piece of expressive sports artwork. Football, padel, rugby, movement, coastline energy… it all felt like it belonged not just on prints, but on something wearable. Something lived‑in. Something that carried the same premium, expressive identity as our fine‑art collections.
This is the story of how BLS Athletic came to life.
Where it started — expressive artwork meets modern apparel
For months, I’d been creating dynamic, painterly sports pieces: bold brushstrokes, movement-led compositions, expressive colour. These artworks had a rhythm that felt perfect for apparel. But I didn’t want to create “just another printed tee”. It needed to feel premium, intentional, and aligned with the Bella Leaf Studio aesthetic.
So the idea formed:
a modern athletic range built around expressive artwork and clean geometric identity.
Choosing the right foundation — premium organic cotton
Quality was the first non‑negotiable.
I chose Stanley/Stella premium organic cotton blanks — the same brand trusted by boutique labels and high-end streetwear. The fabric is soft, structured, and designed to hold both artwork and embroidery beautifully.
Every piece in BLS Athletic starts with a blank that already feels premium before anything is printed or stitched.
Choosing the right foundation — premium organic cotton
Quality was the first non‑negotiable.
I chose Stanley/Stella premium organic cotton blanks — the same brand trusted by boutique labels and high-end streetwear. The fabric is soft, structured, and designed to hold both artwork and embroidery beautifully. 100% Organic.
Every piece in BLS Athletic starts with a blank that already feels premium before anything is printed or stitched.
Crafting the artwork — movement, energy, coastline influence
The artwork for this range is created in the same expressive style as our fine‑art prints:
- bold, painterly strokes
- dynamic movement
- modern athletic storytelling
Each design is crafted digitally, then refined to ensure it translates perfectly to fabric. The goal is always the same: art that feels alive, wearable, and premium.
Building the identity — the BLS Athletic geometric logo
The geometric logo was designed to be clean, modern, and instantly recognisable. Most importantly maintaining the overall image of the Bella Leaf Studio brand.
It represents:
- structure
- movement
- balance
- the intersection of art and sport
This mark is the anchor of the range — appearing on the front of each piece, either printed or embroidered depending on the garment.
DTG + Embroidery — the hybrid production approach
To achieve the premium finish I wanted, BLS Athletic uses a hybrid production method:
DTG printing
Used for expressive artwork.
It allows the painterly detail, colour transitions, and soft fabric integration that define the BLS style.
Embroidery
Used for the front logo on sele
Sampling, testing, refining
Before launching, I ordered multiple samples to test:
- print sharpness
- colour accuracy
- fabric feel
- logo placement
- wash durability
The goal was simple:
If it doesn’t feel premium, it doesn’t make the cut.
After refining colours, adjusting placements, and testing different logo methods, the range finally felt ready.
The result — a modern, expressive athletic collection
BLS Athletic is the first step into wearable art for Bella Leaf Studio.
It’s clean, modern, expressive, and built with care — from the artwork to the fabric to the finishing touches.
Every piece is crafted to feel premium, intentional, and true to the identity of the brand.
What’s next for BLS Athletic
This is just the beginning.
More designs, more sports, more expressive artwork, and more premium finishes are already in development. The goal is to build a full athletic-inspired collection that feels both wearable and art-led.
BLS Athletic is where movement meets expression — and I’m so excited to share it with you.
