Leeds fashion designer featured in British Vogue after launching sustainable handbag business in lockdown

Isabella Cavalli, pictured, launched sustainable handbag business Satya and Ro in lockdown

Isabella Cavalli launched her first Satya and Ro collection in February, three years after being inspired to create the brand.

The collection includes timeless pieces including totes, duffle bags and pochettes - all with water-resistant, interchangeable linings.

Isabella, 36, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The idea came about when I was on holiday and I spilled foundation all over my suitcase and handbag. I couldn’t wash it off, it was an expensive bag and it stained so badly.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own business and I wanted to solve the problem, to create something different.

“I spoke to all my friends and they all realised it would be an amazing idea to have interchangeable linings.”

After talks with a first manufacturer had broken down, Isabella was poised to launch the business in March 2020 - just as the pandemic hit.

The collection was put on hold but launched in February this year to high praise; the collection has been featured in British Vogue.

“They’re beautiful, timeless classics that everyone loves," Isabella added.

“Ultimately, it makes the bag more sustainable - you can change the lining and you can wash them. The tote is our best seller, it’s all black and it’s the perfect size, and I love our hold-all bag for travel.

“Whether it’s for gym lovers or students, it has water-resistant plastic compartments where you can put your wet clothes in there, you can put rubbish in and it doesn’t absorb the smell."

As well as an online store, Satya and Ro now has a permanent line in Browns department stores in York, Gainsborough and Beverley.

Isabella added: “I’m hoping to expand into fashion and launch shoes to go with the bags, that’s my next goal."

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