Growing up inspired by environmentalists like David Suzuki, Rosanne Wood, the founder of No. 49 Handbags, always felt a deep connection to the natural world.
But as she shopped for fashion she loved, something didn’t sit right. But every trip to the fashion aisle left her questioning: why did style so often come at the expense of the planet and its creatures? That frustration lit a fire. She knew there had to be a better way, like handbags that looked beautiful, felt luxurious, and carried a deeper purpose.
Driven by this vision, Rosanne founded Canada-based No. 49 Handbags in 2023. Since then, the brand offers sustainable, vegan alternatives that don’t compromise on aesthetics. She has created handbags that not only look beautiful but also contribute to a kinder, more ecological future.
In this exclusive interview, Rosanne Wood discusses the vision behind No. 49 Handbags, their innovative approach to sustainability, and how they educate consumers to make eco-conscious choices in fashion.
What drives the brand? Can you share the vision and mission behind No. 49 Handbags and what you hope to achieve with it?
The brand was born from a desire to redefine fashion by prioritizing sustainability and compassion. The mission behind No. 49 Handbags is to combine style, sustainability, and social responsibility. We aim to create high-quality, timeless designs using innovative, eco-friendly materials that have a minimal impact on the planet.
At the same time, we want to raise awareness about the environmental and ethical consequences of traditional fashion practices. Our vision is to inspire consumers to make more conscious choices and to lead the fashion industry toward a more compassionate and sustainable future.
The handbag market is incredibly competitive. How do you ensure No. 49 stands out and offers something unique to customers?
We stand out by focusing on three core principles: sustainability, versatility, and timeless design.
Our handbags are crafted from innovative materials like apple leather, bamboo leather, and raffia, which set us apart from brands using traditional leather. Additionally, our designs are versatile. Some are classic styles, some are unique and bold, and some can be worn in multiple ways.
Lastly, we prioritize transparency, sharing our sustainability practices, and encouraging our customers to join us in making a positive impact.
Sustainability is clearly a big part of your brand’s identity. Can you walk me through your manufacturing process and how eco-friendly practices are included in what you do?
Our manufacturing process starts with selecting sustainable, cruelty-free materials like recycled polyurethane, raffia, and apple leather. These materials are carefully sourced to ensure minimal environmental impact. We also offset the carbon emissions of our e-commerce operations by partnering with organizations like Mast Reforestation and Grassroots Carbon.
Additionally, we work with CleanHub to prevent ocean-bound plastic waste, removing two pounds of plastic for every handbag sold. Our goal is to create handbags that are as kind to the planet as they are stylish.
Do you feel consumers prioritize sustainability when shopping for fashion? If not, how would you go about educating and inspiring them to make greener choices?
I think consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, but there’s still work to be done. Many people want to make greener choices but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. That’s where we come in.
At No. 49, we prioritize transparency and education. We share the stories behind our materials and initiatives, like our partnerships with CleanHub and carbon-offset programs. By showing consumers the impact their choices can have, we aim to inspire them to prioritize sustainability without feeling intimidated.
Fashion evolves so quickly. How do you stay ahead of the trends, and in what ways do those trends shape your designs and business decisions?
While we pay attention to trends, we focus on creating timeless designs that align with our values. Fashion trends come and go, but sustainability is here to stay. By prioritizing versatile designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and eco-friendly materials, we ensure that our handbags remain relevant and desirable regardless of shifting trends.
Staying true to our mission while adapting to consumer needs helps us strike a balance between timelessness and modernity.
