Kaia Mar
Kaia Mar offers a range of sustainably made accessories incorporating innovative materials such as plant-based leathers. Their sleek bags are made more exciting by interchangeable straps that can be used to add versatility and interest.
About the FoundersKaia Mar was founded by Colombian Laura Texidor and British-Albanian Arlinda Ismaili, who met through work in 2018 where they both worked as consultants in the financial industry. Before landing in finance, both founders came from colourful paths: Laura is a former TV presenter, while Arlinda has a background as a yoga instructor. When their paths crossed, the entrepreneurs bonded over their passion for fashion and their love for all things sustainable and mindful, which led to the creation of their brand of accessories.
“Our commitment to sustainability is ingrained in our production processes, as we partner with vegan manufacturers and an award-winning supplier to bring our first collection to life.”
Materials
The company's luxury handbags are made from cactus leather — one of the most sustainable alternatives to animal leather. Award-winning pioneer cactus leather producer Desserto's material saves 164,650% of water compared to animal leather, and 190% compared to polyurethane (PU). The farming of the nopal cactus, where the material comes from, is also carbon negative.
People
Kaia Mar values direct relationships with their suppliers and only partner with companies that share the values the brand want to promote, such as transparency, which is also crucial to its consumers. The founders also review the results and certificates of supplier audits.
Production
All Kaia Mar products are made at Veshin, a vegan fashion manufacturer located in Guangzhou, China. Veshin specialises in luxury bags and accessories, using exclusively vegan materials. Veshin's core values are sustainability and radical transparency.
Packaging
Each Kaia Mar product is wrapped in recyclable and compostable tissue paper and mailed in a box made from 100% recycled materials, printed with eco-friendly ink. The box itself is also recyclable and compostable. The reusable totes that the bags come in are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and also printed with water-based ink.
Animals
As Kaia Mar believes that no animals should die for fashion, they are proud to be a PETA-Approved Vegan brand.
To discover more like this, visit our vegan bags collection.
You can read more about the problem with animal leather and sustainable vegan leather alternatives on our blog.
Love sustainable vegan leathers? Take a look at our edits for Cactus Leather, Apple Leather, Grape Leather, Pinatex and Cork Leather.
Love luxury and designer fashion? Check out our Luxury Vegan Bags & Shoes edit.
