Rags2Riches is one of those special handbag labels which is both eco-friendly and socially conscious.
The purses are made from scrap cloth discarded from local garment factories, then woven together using traditional techniques. Collections are designed by Rajo Laurel and Amina Aranaz, and then handcrafted by women living in the Payatas, a socially disadvantaged community in The Philippines. The women are rewarded for their efforts via a Fair Trade profit sharing scheme. The more purses Rags2Riches sells, the greater the reward for this struggling community.
Rags2Riches innovative model has been recognized with the University of San Francisco Social Enterprise Award and The Body Shop Foundation Grant.
Rags2Riches bags are available from the Rags2Riches showroom in Quezon City and other selected retailers through The Philippines. Rags2Riches hopes to export their bags around the world soon, but until then fashion fans outside The Philippines can e-mail the brand to discuss obtaining the purse that’s caught their eye.
