Eco-friendly accessories don’t have to look like the handmade hemp purses that hippies sell at your local markets. Kayu creates stunning handbags with real green credentials.
I’m enamored with the Betty Black Lip clutch pictured, which is made using black lip shells, a byproduct of the local food industry. I also love the Jen purse which features hand-woven natural and sustainable straw. Every purse is hand-crafted by women working under fair trade conditions at a co-op in Asia.
“With each collection, I strive to keep our core principles of craftsmanship, ecology, and ethics in mind,” explained Kayu’s designer, Jamie Lim. “All our products are handmade and feature natural materials.“
Purchasing a Kayu bag doesn’t just help the Asian artisans and their communities. The label donates $15 for every purse sold to give a child in need a backpack stocked with school supplies.
Kayu bags are available from $45 from the label’s online store, and in selected boutiques across the United States, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Asia.
