Sustainable Spotlight: Carmina Campus Bags

Take a look at Ilaria Venturini Fendi's recent foray into eco-conscious bags.

ilaria venturini fendi
(Image credit: Archives)

Those of you familiar with the fashion house Fendi might be surprised that one of its kin has decided to go sustainable. After all, the brand is synonymous with skins and fur. But Ilaria Venturini Fendi is approaching fashion from a different perspective.

Ilaria's accessories line Carmina Campus is an ode to sustainability. What she calls a "project of creative recycling" is a collection of one-of-a-kind handbags — and now jewelry and soon-to-come furniture — made entirely of recycled and upcycled materials. She uses what she finds, and her bags have been known to incorporate mountain ropes, sailing lines, outdoor curtains, and even airplane cushioning!

ilaria venturini fendi

(Image credit: Archives)

These bags are from her "Dragon Bags" line. They are made from scraps of Maasai fabrics, semifinished by African artisans and later completed in Italy.

ilaria venturini fendi

(Image credit: Archives)

Ilaria's goal is to have all her product made entirely in Africa, and thus far one of her collections has achieved this goal. Dubbed the "Message Bags," this particular line is made by marginalized African women who embroider words and images from their everyday life on scraps and recycled materials.

ilaria venturini fendi

(Image credit: Archives)

And, like her family, Ilaria does use fur but in her own way, incorporating swatches and samples from the leather factory floors to create bags.

Like her bags, Ilaria is one-of-a-kind, and it's encouraging to have such a powerful voice in the ethical fashion movement.

Latest in Fashion
Rihanna and A$AP were seen on a casual date night out at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. rihanna wore jeans, a vest, and a new alaia bag
Rihanna Hard-Launches Alaïa's New $2,350 It Bag With a Baseball Cap and Jeans
Bella Hadid carries the Coach empire bag in New York City with a black mini dress
Bella Hadid Secures Coach's Must-Have Empire Bag, Just Like I Predicted She Would
Selena Gomez wears a cropped blazer and matching trousers while attending the Drew Barrymore show in New York City
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
Bella Hadid leaves her hotel wearing a cardigan with the studded bag trend and straight-leg jeans
Bella Hadid Carries the Studded Bag Trend Into the Spotlight With a Boho-Chic Valentino Tote
Dua Lipa travels with a leather trench coat and double bags by Chanel and Hermes, plus a pair of Margiela Tabi flats
Dua Lipa Trades Airport Essentials for Controversial Tabi Flats and an Overflowing Birkin Bag
Olivia Rodrigo performs at the Olivia Rodrigo "GUTS" World Tour at the Kia Forum on August 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Olivia Rodrigo Wears the Bodysuit Version of Kim Kardashian's $1,808 Bondage Leather Dress to Headline Lollapalooza
Latest in News
Meghan Markle in a beige shirt on stage at SXSW in March 2024
Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow Open Up About Their "Rift" Over Pie
Rihanna and A$AP were seen on a casual date night out at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. rihanna wore jeans, a vest, and a new alaia bag
Rihanna Hard-Launches Alaïa's New $2,350 It Bag With a Baseball Cap and Jeans
Bella Hadid carries the Coach empire bag in New York City with a black mini dress
Bella Hadid Secures Coach's Must-Have Empire Bag, Just Like I Predicted She Would
Selena Gomez wears a cropped blazer and matching trousers while attending the Drew Barrymore show in New York City
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Rihanna in a head scarf and multiple necklaces
Rihanna’s Jamaica Manicure Will Unite the Caribbean