It’s In The Bag
By their own admission, Virginia Dooley and Nicole Jones are textile obsessed. But then, that’s evident in the über-stylish bags they’ve designed under their brand, Rising Tide Fair Trade (RTFT). Whether you’re seeking a perfectly sized overnight bag, a sturdy beach tote, or a slouchy hobo bag (as seen on the shoulder of Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love), you’ll find a high-fashion version in Rising Tide’s debut “Kantha” collection.
What elevates RTFT’s designs above the Coaches and the Vera Bradleys of the world is the way their bags are produced. Since 2004, Virginia and Nicole have partnered with Sasha Exports, a collective of women in West Bengal, India, who use a traditional quilting technique to hand-stitch the fabrics that the Rising Tide ladies have personally selected. The fair trade artisans earn roughly 60% more than they would for comparable factory jobs, and most have the option to work from home so they can tend to the home while contributing to the family income.
The combination of style and conscience is what makes their product line unique. “Offering a product that is both fashion-forward and people and planet friendly is very important to us,” says Virginia. “When we launched the Kantha Collection in 2008, we did a scan of other fair trade accessories and their availability to the average U.S. consumer. We found a beautiful variety of products that were mostly sticking to traditional styles. We thought our niche could be mixing the traditional methods of textile production with a more modern style and shape.”
By all accounts, Virginia and Nicole now own that niche. Rising Tide Fair Trade bags have been featured in O: The Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire and Ok!, and have been spotted on the arms of Rumer Willis, Freida Pinto and Maria Bello.
What’s next? In April, they’ll launch their second collection, “Zola & Zaria,” which will feature prints from around Africa. Got a special event coming up? We have a feeling Rising Tide Fair Trade bags will help you rise to the occasion.