About

Hello :)

Ballo was born under the South African sun with the belief that open eyes lead to open minds, and open minds create a brighter world. We create products inspired by the timeless joy found in moments of magic with humans and nature. 

Our frames are shaped by loving hands, collaborative spirit, sustainable innovation, and the simple truth that the best views come when we keep our minds
as open as our eyes.

So, a warm welcome to ballo – where every day brings new light and every pair carries a story of optimism.

Eyes open. Minds open.

Our products:
Alongside our local artisans and global innovators, our production combines highly skilled, hands-on processes with mindfully sourced, future-proofed materials. We are committed to creating products that celebrate personal style and lasting sustainability. Every product we create represents our core manufacturing and design principles

Future-Proofed:
All our frames and garments are handmade from sustainably sourced plant-based or reclaimed materials.

Exceptional Quality:
Working with local artisans and global innovators, we pioneer processes and meticulously source materials to create products that embody both timeless style and lasting sustainability. 

Purposeful Innovation:
Our handcrafted frames give a second life to wood and fabric offcuts, paper, plastic bottles, and cork. We continue to innovate with production in plant-based, biodegradable acetate and prototype frames made from previously unrecyclable multi-layer packaging.

Ballo is proudly BCorp Certified and a 1% for the Planet contributing member.

Our Founder
Alistair Barnes founded Ballo in 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. As a designer and social entrepreneur, he focuses on authenticity and honesty, aiming to build resilient systems that create employment and symbiosis with nature.

Inspired by Cape Town's raw beauty, he enjoys hiking, beaching, and surfing with his family. The name "Ballo" is a combination of Barnes and Gallo, Alistair's mother's maiden name. Alistair is Ballo's CEO and Creative Director, overseeing daily operations, product development, design, and branding.