A Purchase With a Purpose
Cesta bags are made by hand from start-to-finish. Each basket is hand-crafted of locally sourced, renewable resources, by talented female artisans in Rwanda, Africa — whom we are proud to pay 500-700% times the national average salary of Rwanda. Each piece is finished by hand in Italy with very carefully chosen, sustainable materials, at a luxury atelier.
For centuries, Rwandan weaving has been passed down from mother to daughter as a rite of passage, marking the transition into womanhood. The average Cesta artisan has over 5 dependents and is the primary breadwinner of her family. Her work allows for the family to purchase livestock, fund education and alleviate poverty in rural communities. At Cesta, we believe these talented women are the bright future of Rwanda.
“Cesta Collective has made a big impact with small handbags on more than 1,400 women’s lives.”
“Cesta Collective, a new, cult-ish handbag line with a feel-good success story... They're luxe, yet low-key -- not "crunchy". It's just one way Cesta is subverting the many stigmas surrounding sustainable fashion.”
“Jane Birkin would be jealous.”
“A classic piece you'll have forever.”
Meet Niyitegeka Liberte
“I am the primary income provider in my family. Before, I didn’t always know if I could afford food if the crops failed or medicine in the case of emergency. Now, I can comfortably say that I am able to pay for a hospital visit, medical treatment, or additional food if needed. The increased income made it easy for me to get loans, which I used to build my house, invest in land, and purchase livestock. I aspire to have a lasting impact on my family and community by working to lift up others.”