Published by Vanessa Brunner under Accessories

One of the many perks of this job is that I’m constantly being inspired

While I love my vintage accessories and recycled leather handbags as much as the next girl, what I truly enjoy is finding designers who are passionate about the Green movement on multiple levels, and are using their brand to make significant changes in our world.

Escama Studio is definitely making a difference.

A collaborative design studio based in California and Brazil, the main product of this studio is a line of handmade, women’s bags made entirely from recycled aluminum soda tabs.

Now you, like me, might be doubtful at the sound of that…but take a look at these beauties! Gorgeous, right? I wouldn’t just buy one…I’m pretty sure it would become my new wardrobe staple.

In order to successfully make these sustainable and durable, the Escama Studio team adapted a traditional crochet method from Brazil, and combined them with their innovative materials and designs.

What I really love about this line is that the bags are hand-crocheted by women’s collectives in Brazil. These women are not just considered contract manufacturers by the company, they are a vital part of the Studio. If the artists in Brazil do well, Escama does well too. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has grown into a mutual beneficial one. Escama has even donated  money for these artists to attend computer literacy classes, open bank accounts, etc.

To date, Escama Studio has produced approximately 70,000 bags since 2004, and have hired over 100 artists to create and produce new looks.

It’s refreshing to see a brand not only be so open about their production process, but to be proud of it! I love how this line honors the group of men and women who make these bags.

Each Escama bag comes with a hang tag with the signature of the person who made it, and the Escama website provides the option of sending the artist a thank you note online.

You can also donate soda tabs to the cause! Click here for more information.