Ethical fashion has come to the fore of late and celebrities with a social conscience are buying into it from Emma Watson’s collaboration with clothing line People Tree to model Lily Cole’s eco-friendly knitwear called “The North Circular”.
Even Bono’s wife Ali Hewson, created an ethical fashion label Edun many moons ago, so it was only going to be a matter of time before more Irish designers responded to the need for where high fashion meets high morals.
Enter stage left Wicklow handbag designer Lorna Burton (pictured left). She is one of Ireland’s newest and most exciting handbag designers, has qualifications in Fashion Design having attended the London College of Fashion and trained with the maker of Mulberry.
The ethical handbag label, called CoraLlei, oozes green credentials – from sustainable fabrics, textiles, packaging and manufacturing to organic and natural materials going into every creation. And what better form of flattery than to have MTV’s Laura Whitmore, Livia Firth (Colin Firth’s wife and eco fashion campaigner) and Karen Millen carry your creations.
For the 2011/2012 autumn winter season, there’s the limited edition Marlene Deitrich inspired ‘Fringed Bag’, which is truly the ultimate glamorous accessory for this season (€165, pictured below). Made from 100% white silk, with button detailing and nickel chain strap, this hip length bag is truly a statement piece.
There’s also a brand new range of Mini CoraLlei purses (€55 eac) available in four styles and made with a mixture of leather and suede alternatives, Italian wool, lace and hounds-tooth fabric and accessorised with a black nickel key ring.
You can check out the ornate but edgy handbag designs and online shop for yourself on CoraLlei.com.
Image of Laura Whitmore: Getty. Image of Lorna and handbags: Courtesy of CoraLei
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December 5, 2011
Daily Digest