ECO STYLE Jess Rizzuti

With a BFA in textiles from Rhode Island School of Design, and a degree in handbag and accessory design, Jess Rizzuti knows handbags. But instead of becoming yet another chic but not-so-eco handbag designer, Jess put her knowledge to good use for people and the planet. The designer’s eponymous handbag line employs eco-friendly practices like the use of water-based dyes and glues, heat-transferred patterns, and renewable resources like cork. Rizzuti also supports female artisans in Kenya and Guatemala—incorporating some of their custom textiles into her line. Check out Jess’s site for more carefully crafted carriers; the cork bags are our fave!