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Fresh off a New York Fashion Week where “see now, buy now” was all the rage, today we’re introducing you to a slow fashion brand with a purpose. In an age where we want the latest Instagram fad on our doorstep within two days, Esperos Bags is asking us all to appreciate the craft behind their line, and I have to say they deserve every ounce of your attention. Better yet? It’s a brand that gives back, which is an easy way for consumers like me to make a purchasing decision. The bag looks great? Check. The profit from the bag is going to be doing some good? Check. Read on to find out more about this Austin-based company.


Haute in Texas: What was the moment the concept for Esperos Bags was born?

Alexandra Hill: Oliver Shuttlesworth, the company’s founder and designer, got the inspiration for Esperos after returning from a trip to Central America in the fall of 2011. He witnessed the effects of poverty and when speaking with parents, they had a strong desire to send their children to school. In some locations, it took only $20 to send a child to school for a year. Oliver was moved to help and decided that by selling well designed backpack, he could give back to education initiatives in the developing world.

HIT: How has the brand vision changed or adapted since then?

AH: We used to donate an established percentage of each product to fund education. We realized that it was confining our giving. This year, we decided to instead fund projects quarterly. Our giving became more transparent and Esperos fans can see exactly where their funds are going and how they are making a difference.

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HIT: What’s to come for the line?

AH: This fall, we are debuting our Esperos Soho collection. The launch coincides with the opening of our first brick and mortar location in the Soho neighborhood of New York City. Beginning this fall, the entire Soho Collection is made in the USA (*of domestic and imported materials). We’re very excited to have our production in the USA!

Our women’s bags are buttery soft and our men’s and travel pieces are made of top grain leather and water resistant canvas. Our collection involves classic pieces that you’ll reach for again and again whether you’re going to work or headed out to dinner with friends.

HIT: Where do you see the product line developing for the future?

AH: We’re constantly inspired by our travels and local adventures. You can expect to see our Soho Collection grow with new styles and silhouettes, while colors will change seasonally. Within the next year, we will also add bags for a more active, outdoor lifestyle.

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HIT: What sort of impact have you personally seen the brand make on the world?

AH: Our charity partner, The Nobelity Project, does a great job of handling our donations. We’ve seen them fund classrooms, libraries, and even provide clean water systems in Kenya. One of the most amazing things we’ve experienced is the bookmobile that The Nobelity Project funded in Roatan, Honduras. We actually shot our Spring/Summer 2016 lookbook in Honduras and visited the project. The Nobelity Project bookmobile serves 3,500 students through this project alone. Many are in rural fishing villages that would not otherwise have such great access to books.

HIT: If you could have one of your bags placed in the scene of one TV show, which would you choose?

AH: Game of Thrones. Khaleesi could definitely use a petite pack to hold her things while she takes over Westeros.

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HIT: What’s the next step for ethical fashion to go even more mainstream?

AH: We love the direction that ethical fashion is going. As ethical fashion focuses more on great design and quality materials, more mainstream customers will get behind the brands. Our goal is to make amazing bags and make everyone an Esperos fan so we can do more with our giving.

HIT: Finally, an Haute in Texas tradition, pancakes or waffles?

AH: I eat a frozen waffle almost every morning. Way before Stranger Things made it cool.

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How stunning is that clutch? And that bucket bag, sign me up please! If you’re as inspired as I am by Esperos, follow them on Instagram here. And thank you Alexandra for taking the time to sit down with Haute in Texas!

XO,

Aquila