Spotlight: Corallei - Unique Ethical Design

Whenever possible I like to check out local designers and crafty people. Not only do I think it's important (especially at the moment, right?) to support local, but it's a great way too get your grubby mitts on one-off designs and something a bit different from the high street. 


In-keeping with this train of thought I recently came across Corallei, the collection of beautiful, ethically made handbags by Lorna Burton, hailing from Ireland's east coast. The linings of the handbags are made from off-cuts of material from design houses in Italy, London & Ireland and no animal skins are used for any part of the handbags themselves. Any suede is an alternative to real suede. 
Lorna has been lucky enough to have worked in the past with Oxfam on a 'Restyled for Oxfam' project and Estethica.


Until recently whenever I heard 'ethically sourced materials' I pictured rigid cotton and rough hemp materials, not the beautiful, buttery soft faux-suedes and knitted wool featured in these beautiful bags. The styles are modern and stylish and range from a clutch to an oversized day bag to an organic shopper and the linings are luxurious and eye catching - a sure sign that i'm not the only person that looks for a good quality lining too!
With a new collection due to hit on March 24th, I've picked out a few of my favourites from the website and i'd urge you to check them out for yourself - i've definitely got my eye on at least 2....but i'm not telling you which ones in case you get there before me! 

Fringed Diamond:
The Fringed Diamond - a black silk fringed diamond, lined with a suede alternative and dressed with a nickel chain strap - €120.

Box Trot:
The Box Trot - a black and gold Box Pleat clutch, made from a 100% wool and suede alternative mix and dressed with an antique button. Zip fastening - €90.

Beverly:
The Beverly - a black tote made from a suede alternative, quilted side panels and dressed with nickel accessories - €150.

L West:
The L West - a toffee gold coloured bag made from pleated wool and dressed with metallic buttons. Fold over, button down front detail with zip fastening. Hip length shoulder strap - €120.

Pumpkin:
The Pumpkin - a black slouch shoulder bag made from a gathered suede alternative and dressed with a nickel chain strap - €120


All pictures courtesy of Corallei.com - head over to the website to see alternative views of each bag, including the gorgeous linings.