Founded in 2007 by anthropologist and designer Laura Bellows and Balinese designer Agus Astradhi, JUL Designs creates distinctive shawl fasteners, garment closures and other wearable accessories. Based in Frederick, the international creative partnership develops unconventional designs with skilled metal and wood artisans in Indonesia, working collaboratively from prototype through production. JUL also creates exclusive, white-label accessories for yarn shops and creative brands through its custom product-development service.