Stories
Wolf Bear
"Brave, Love, Dream: How Two Souls Built a Brand for a Better World"
Photography by
Narrated by someone special. The Narrator is revealed within the publication.
Today, I am drawn to a story born of earth and adventure, a tale of love and a shared dream to protect the natural world. This is the story of Harry and Ness, the hearts behind Wolf & Bear Collective, a sustainable fashion brand dedicated to living in harmony with nature.
The memory of a camping trip to Wombeyan Caves is etched in the minds of Harry and Ness—a cherished moment in the early days of their journey together. The trip was a surprise from Harry, a secret destination packed with the thrill of the unknown. They arrived to find kangaroos welcoming them, their gentle presence a sign they were in the right place.
They pitched their tent beneath the calming canopy of trees, their hearts beating in unison with the rhythm of the forest. Days were spent exploring the rugged terrain, wandering dirt tracks, and marveling at the ancient beauty of the Wollondilly Caves. The icy waters of Limestone Gorge offered a refreshing embrace, cooling their bodies and igniting their spirits.
Each evening, they sat by the campfire, the flames casting shadows that danced with their dreams. It was in these moments, under a blanket of stars, that they shared their truths, laying the foundation for the life they would build together.
This camping trip was more than an adventure; it was the
beginning of Wolf Bear.
Before Wolf Bear took shape, Harry and Ness lived in worlds far removed from the serenity of nature. Ness was navigating the corporate landscape as an account executive for a global sporting brand, her days filled with meetings and targets. Harry, on the other hand, had traded his architectural dreams for the charm of a small bar in Surry Hills.
It was here, in this cozy nook of the city, that their paths first crossed—two souls seeking a different kind of connection. From their very first conversation, it was clear they shared a passion for living on their own terms, for authenticity, and for the great outdoors. Together, they imagined a future where they could combine their love for nature with their desire to make a difference—a dream that eventually took shape as Wolf Bear.
For Harry, a love of nature was ingrained from childhood. He grew up in a tiny, remote village in the Midlands of England, where every day was an adventure waiting to unfold. Following the unspoken rule of the '90s—"come back when the sun starts to set"—his days were filled with building dams, racing go-karts, and exploring the endless countryside. He and his friends searched for animals, constructed bike ramps, and climbed as many trees as they could. They scrumped apples from the neighbor’s orchard and roamed every inch of the land, savoring the vastness of the world they called home. It was a childhood wrapped in the freedom of the outdoors, where the only boundaries were the setting sun and the call of home.
For Ness, childhood in Tasmania was a story straight out of a Beatrix Potter tale. She lived on a sprawling 72-acre property, bordered by two kilometers of river that wound its way through their land. Wildlife was abundant, with ducks, rabbits, sheep, a pig, and her loyal sausage dog, Pudding, turning every day into an adventure. Weekends were filled with exploration—searching for platypuses by the river, collecting smooth river stones, and swinging from vines in the dense forest. As an only child, Ness found companionship in the wild, her imagination running free in the untamed beauty that surrounded her. This love for nature, nurtured in her childhood, later became the driving force behind her desire to protect and preserve it.
Family is the heartbeat of Harry and Ness’s lives—the bond that fuels their journey. They find happiness in life’s simple pleasures: good food, great company, and the freedom of the open outdoors. It’s in these moments, surrounded by loved ones, that they feel most alive, their world illuminated by the connections that matter most. This same sense of connection extends to the ethos of Wolf Bear , where community, authenticity, and love for nature are woven into every thread of their designs.
If there’s one thing they would change, it’s the world’s growing reliance on social media. They see how it creates a facade of perfection, distancing people from the raw beauty of the natural world and the simple joys of life. Harry and Ness strive to remind people to step outside, feel the sun on their skin, breathe fresh air, and find happiness in the here and now. For them, sustainable living is about more than just eco-friendly materials; it’s about nurturing the planet, uplifting one another, and spreading kindness.
The full story appears in our Nature’s Rhythm special >>