Top 4 Architectural Handbags | When Being Chic Is Sustainable

Why to buy:

Innovation is just one way to describe NOIRANCA, but even one word is not enough. NOIRANCA was founded on the desire to rewrite, reconstruct, and break boundaries of our own conceptions of what a bag is. The brand has reworked our notion of handbags into a luxe, diverse shape and colour. Each design, thoughtfully blended with an ethos of the eco-conversation, stands the test of time, and thereby encourages consumers to buy less.

A NOIRANCA bag is more than just a timeless staple. It is a break from fashion’s lack of accountability. A focus on protecting our environment, rather than harming it. The brand wants to encourage its customers to invest in sustainable and transparent practices, with a core focus on positive consumption and care.

What we love:

NOIRANCA wants to give back and care for the planet. That doesn’t just involve the physical environment, it also focuses on the animals that inhabit it. The brand is 100% against animal cruelty. That means no exotic skin, fur or animal leather is used in their bags. Instead, NOIRANCA uses PETA-Approved Vegan Leather.

It isn’t just material that is important. WHO the brand works with is also a priority. When choosing its suppliers NOIRANCA follows a strict selection process to make sure our suppliers are all aligned to our vision of “Earth as a Culture”.

Each of their suppliers has been checked thoroughly. They must adhere to strict environmental standards, such as meeting EU REACH and US CA65 standards and obtaining the ISO9001 certification. These demonstrate that they are committed to protecting the environment and water sources from toxic chemicals.

Why to buy:

MASHU offers a genuine passion for sustainability with a celebration of innovative and artisan craft. Mashu bags are the ultimate solution for those seeking a style that doesn’t harm the planet, people, or animals. The brand has been committed to driving meaningful change through sustainable innovation and ethical best practices, from materials and supply chain through to production.

MASHU injects fun and style into each collection. Inspired by Art Deco interior and Cycladic architecture, the designers and artisans are focused on creating something unique, bold, and fearless. Their bright colours and sleek, abstract details ensure their bags are more than just an accessory, they are a statement.

What we love:

MASHU was born on a mission to create sustainable and vegan contemporary handbags that won’t cost or harm our environment. MASHU’s handbags are made in Athens, Greece. They focus on working with local artisans who put a lot of care and passion into each item they make.

The brand is committed to researching sustainable vegan alternatives to leather, demonstrating its understanding of less eco-conscious alternatives. MASHU uses materials based on the conservation of raw materials, toxic-free solutions, and minimal dependency on natural resources. Currently, their bags are curated from recycled polyester and recycled plastic. This makes them the perfect gift for any eco-conscious woman.

Their environmental focus goes beyond the product itself. MASHU uses carbon neutral shipping through DHL. Each package is FSC certified.

Why to buy:

NONA Handbags focuses on a minimalist, good-quality stylistic attitude to its design. Founded in Antwerp by Anona Van Der Linde, they wanted to create something with no fuss. Nothing over the tip, just raw, simple beauty. With a modern, eye-catching silhouette their banana bag is both chic and practical, made for the forward-thinking working man or woman.

Their design process is organic, with their customers at the forefront. To avoid overproduction, NONA Handbags rejects seasonal productions, focusing instead on the timeless quality of their designs. They envision their customers as someone who are confident in their own self and their style, a fitting person for a bold yet understated bag.

What we love:

The brand honours slow fashion from every angle. Limited editions are made from small pieces of leather that are sourced in local leather shops. Because these bags are made from small deadstock pieces of leather. Their bags are crafted on a made-to-order basis, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

They focus on working with small, local businesses and artisans. The gravitation towards Spain was no mistake. NONA wanted to work in a place with a rich history in leatherwork. Their leather is sourced locally, to minimise transportation costs.

Why to buy:

A.Cloud is a brand that prides itself on style and quality. Inspired by retro aesthetics and geometric structures, the designers at A.Cloud strive to find the perfect balance between vintage elegance and modern style. They focus on a timeless element to their work, honouring sustainable practices over new trends.

A.Cloud values high quality above all and aims to create contemporary handbags at affordable prices using luxury materials. Their romantic designs carry a strong sense of femininity, alongside confidence: defining independent women, and multifarious women as the focus of their work. For A.Cloud, femininity is variable, an unravelling myriad, in constant flux.

What we love:

For the bags, A.Cloud uses carefully chosen and environmentally safe dyeing methods. Their factories minimise waste and water pollution and ensure any water waste is purified.

A.Cloud specially designs its metals, using 3D-printing technology. They are produced through research and collaboration with metal factories. The brand’s choice of zinc alloy and copper are more sustainable options. Both zinc and copper can be recycled indefinitely without any loss of physical or chemical properties.