You’d never guess that the chic bags from Passchal started their lives as tractor tire inner tubes. Today these scrap pieces of rubber form the sorts of accessories adored by celebs like Taylor Lautner and 90210 star Annalynne McCord.
“You would not think this is an inner-tube material,” said Julie Serritella of Waukegan Tire, an Illinois tire shop who happily sells the handbags alongside auto accessories. “It is so pliable and soft and luxurious to the touch.“
As each bag comes from a different tire tube, no two are exactly the same. Passchal’s practice of reusing material destined for landfill, and trimming it in vegan leather, should please eco-conscious fashionistas.
What’s most appealing though is that the green approach doesn’t compromise style. There are more than 30 different designs available, from small credit card holders and clutches to larger briefcases and travel bags. These bigger bags are all cleverly fitted with interior lights to help you find your vital items easily.
The Passchal bags are available from the label’s own website, but I’d suggest getting yours through Waukegan Tire. The store will donate 10% of each sale to the United Way of Lake County, a charity which focuses on improving the local community through educational and family-focused programs. What a great way to make your money go further!
