Not only is Meghan a supporter of Cesta Collective bags, but she has now invested a minority stake in the company. It’s easy to see why the Duchess is such a fan of the brand, given the mission its founders had in mind. After being introduced by a mutual friend, Fasciano, a former fashion editor, and Ryder, then a brand director, quickly bonded over their disillusionment with the fashion industry. “We decided that rather than both leaving the industry altogether, why not use our skills for good and do something we can really be proud of?” Ryder remembers.
The couple became interested in supporting crafts, and in particular the art of basket weaving. “It’s a huge source of economic independence for women all over the world,” Fasciano explains. “Many of the women we work with weave at home so they can care for their children and livestock and have a meaningful impact on their families.”
They started working with a female cooperative in Rwanda to make their brand’s bags, with the weavers themselves setting the prices (about 500 to 700% of the national average salary, according to the founders). Many of the artisans grow the sisal used to weave the baskets themselves, and also use organic vegetables to dye the material. “Everything is custom made to our specifications,” notes Fasciano, adding that the bags are finished in Sicily by leather artisans.