2007 Archives: Ananas Eco-Friendly, Natural Fiber Handbags
Amazing what they can make fabric from these days. Hemp, bamboo, and, at Ananas handbags, the natural fibers from the Abaca plant, a sustainable resource grown in the Philippines. Similar to a banana plant, the Abaca fibers are harvested and hand-tied together before being woven into a fine yet sturdy material. Designer Jennifer Baum Lagdameo discovered the fabric while living in the Philippines, and continues to incorporate native materials like coconut shells, mother-of-pearl and polished sustainable hardwoods into her collection of drop-dead-gorgeous bags. Vegans be forewarned, there’s no shortage of leather here, but we love the detail on the bestselling Grande, a structured sack with polished wood rings, and its cousin the Emily, which is summer’s best bag in Citrus. But it’s the perfectly sized, day-to-night Abaca Aki Pochette, which converts from a shoulder bag to a clutch with one fell swoop, which captured our hearts. Simply put? Ananas is a yes, yes, yes.
