Social enterprise initiative Apolis has created a simple Market Bag for New York fashion boutique Steven Alan. This is Apolis’ ninth Local + Global project, and part of an initiative which connects regional retailers with Apolis’ global advocacy efforts.
The reusable totes are handcrafted by empowered women working at an artisan co-operative in Bangladesh. Each one is then finished in Calfornia with a waterproof interior lining and eco-friendly vegetable-dyed leather straps. Those handles could stand to be longer, as they’re likely to be awkward to manage once the market bag is full. Using reclaimed leather, rather than new skins, would have also made the bags more planet-friendly. However the antique nickel rivets which finish the bag are a great sustainable touch.
Collaborating with Steven Alan was an easy decision for Apolis, who has long admired the retailer’s timeless approach to fashion. While Apolis’ market bag isn’t a head turner, its simple styling and proud “Tribeca, New York, USA” lettering seamlessly slot into the Steven Alan collection.
The Apolis for Steven Alan Market bag is available for $68 exclusively from Steven Alan’s TriBeCa boutique and online store. It’s a little more than I’d expect to pay for such a basic tote, but knowing the money helps people less fortunate makes splurging a little easier.
