Through inspired design and responsible business practices, Helen E Riegle uses chic yet sustainable materials to produce stylish and unique handbags and laptop bags consumers can feel good about carrying.

Our design and business goals are one: to drive trends and create meaningful change in our world. A few years ago, we began asking the question: “Can a handbag save the world?” We weren’t just trying to be provocative. Our rationale remains that as consumers reflect on what makes our “high style, low impact” handbags different to conventional ones – the same kind of reflection they’re doing in larger and larger numbers at the whole foods market and “body and soul” store – the handbag becomes the gateway for more meaningful change.

So what makes our bags unique? Designs are based on objects found in nature – think poppy seed heads, iris buds, mushroom caps, and flower petals. We also have a penchant for innovation. We love using novel materials and have most recently incorporated into our designs both Cradle to Cradle™ certified wool flannel and EcoSpun®, which is made from recycled soda bottles. We have also featured Treetap® “wild rubber,” a sustainably made, fair-trade product from the Amazon, as a leather substitute.

Our commitment extends beyond making stylish and sustainable handbags. We also lead workshops that showcase the benefits of cleaner, greener living; contribute our products to fundraising events across the country; and pledge 2% of gross sales to youth and environmental causes across the globe. Among the organizations we have supported are local activists, groups with national influence, and global relief organizations.