Meghan Markle has invested in Cesta Collective, a brand founded by Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano and Erin Ryder, who bonded over their shared disillusionment with the fashion industry. The pair decided to use their skills for good by supporting handcraft, specifically basket weaving. They work with a female co-operative in Rwanda to create their bags, with the weavers setting their own prices, which are significantly higher than the national average salary. The artisans grow the sisal used in the weaving themselves, and also use organic vegetables to dye the material. The bags are finished in Sicily by leather artisans, making them truly unique and special.
The mission of Cesta Collective focuses on empowering women around the world through the art of basket weaving. Many of the women they work with are able to weave at home, allowing them to care for their families while also earning a meaningful income. The founders believe that basket weaving is a source of economic independence for women, providing them with the opportunity to have a positive impact on their families and communities. By working with a female co-operative in Rwanda, Cesta Collective is able to support these women and help them achieve financial independence.
The weavers in Rwanda grow the sisal used in the weaving process and use organic vegetables to dye the material, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The founders ensure that everything is custom-made to their specifications, resulting in high-quality, unique bags that stand out in the fashion industry. The bags are finished in Sicily by skilled leather artisans, adding a luxurious touch to the handcrafted pieces. This attention to detail and dedication to quality sets Cesta Collective apart from other brands in the industry.
Meghan Markle’s investment in Cesta Collective further highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering women and supporting ethical practices in the fashion industry. As a fan of the brand’s mission and values, the Duchess of Sussex has chosen to invest in a minority stake in the company, aligning herself with Cesta Collective’s goal of making a positive impact on the world. By supporting brands like Cesta Collective, Meghan is using her platform to promote ethical fashion and support female artisans around the world, showcasing the importance of sustainable and socially conscious practices in the industry.
Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano and Erin Ryder, the founders of Cesta Collective, have created a brand that not only produces beautiful, high-quality bags but also empowers women and supports communities around the world. Their focus on sustainability, ethical practices, and economic independence for female artisans sets them apart in the fashion industry. By working with a female co-operative in Rwanda and using traditional weaving techniques, Cesta Collective is able to create unique, handcrafted pieces that have a positive impact on the lives of the women who create them. Meghan Markle’s investment in the brand further solidifies Cesta Collective’s mission and values, bringing attention to the importance of supporting ethical fashion and empowering female artisans.
Overall, Cesta Collective’s partnership with female artisans in Rwanda, their commitment to sustainability, and their dedication to creating unique, high-quality products have caught the attention of Meghan Markle and other supporters of ethical fashion. The brand’s mission to empower women through the art of basket weaving and provide economic independence for female artisans aligns with Meghan’s own values and beliefs. By investing in Cesta Collective, Meghan is not only endorsing the brand’s mission but also using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of supporting socially conscious and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
