Portland accessories firm Entermodal believes design can be a force for positive and meaningful change. This philosophy informs the label’s collection of handmade, vegetable tanned leather accessories.
Entermodal notes that most damage to our planet has occurred in the last century. And so it takes its production techniques back to the days prior to the Industrial Revolution. It visited museums and trade schools and sought out methods of manufacture passed down through generations. By using traditional construction methods, Entermodal is confident its handbags will survive the test of time.
Many ardent animal activists won’t be impressed that Entermodal uses leather skins for its handbags, but the company shouldn’t be completely condemned. It colors its leather with natural vegetable dyes free of formaldehyde and heavy metals. All dyes are also sustainably harvested, a practice which ensures trees aren’t damaged by the process. It encourages its customers to sell their used handbags back to the label for recycling.
At its inception Entermodal created backpacks and mountaineering sacks, and that experience continues to inform the functional design of its modern handbags. Each one features a specially moulded shoulder strap which keeps it perfectly in balance while you’re on the go. Clever pockets maximize order and usability.
Entermodal handbags are available from the label’s flagship store in Oregon. It also accepts orders, including bespoke orders, via its website.
