
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Those of you familiar with the fashion house Fendi might be surprised that one of its kin has decided to go sustainable. After all, the brand is synonymous with skins and fur. But Ilaria Venturini Fendi is approaching fashion from a different perspective.
Ilaria's accessories line Carmina Campus is an ode to sustainability. What she calls a "project of creative recycling" is a collection of one-of-a-kind handbags — and now jewelry and soon-to-come furniture — made entirely of recycled and upcycled materials. She uses what she finds, and her bags have been known to incorporate mountain ropes, sailing lines, outdoor curtains, and even airplane cushioning!
These bags are from her "Dragon Bags" line. They are made from scraps of Maasai fabrics, semifinished by African artisans and later completed in Italy.
Ilaria's goal is to have all her product made entirely in Africa, and thus far one of her collections has achieved this goal. Dubbed the "Message Bags," this particular line is made by marginalized African women who embroider words and images from their everyday life on scraps and recycled materials.
And, like her family, Ilaria does use fur but in her own way, incorporating swatches and samples from the leather factory floors to create bags.
Like her bags, Ilaria is one-of-a-kind, and it's encouraging to have such a powerful voice in the ethical fashion movement.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
Taylor Swift is at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game in Kansas City—With His Mom, Donna
Well, that clears that up.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Literally Face the Same Woe as Every Other Parent
They may be royalty, but kids are kids.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Expert Says of Princess Kate’s Recent Transformation That “We Are Seeing the Real Kate Now”
Her revved up charisma matches that of a beloved royal family member that was anything but self-conscious.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Red Club X Cartier Is Offering Invaluable Support for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
By Sara Holzman
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs
"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
By Sara Holzman
-
In Order to Revolutionize Fashion, Prioritize Innovation
"We must remain optimistic."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope Bag
This eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag
"The key word is versatility."
By Sara Holzman
-
How Sustainability Will Redefine the Future of the Fashion Industry
Marie Claire and Kering brought sustainable fashion center stage at the Fashion Our Future Event in New York City on March 16.
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Bottega Veneta's Andiamo Bag
The bucket list bag for work or travel.
By Sara Holzman
-
The 16 Best Leather Tote Bags for Women in 2023
To take you from Pilates class to the office and rooftop happy hour.
By Brooke Knappenberger