FRONT ROW | CESTA COLLECTIVE
Woven with Purpose
Cesta Collective goes beyond the bag, weaving beauty, empowerment, and conscious luxury into every design
True luxury is not found in ubiquity, but in the meticulous artistry and unique handprint of the handmade. It is the embodiment of intention — thoughtfully designed, exquisitely executed, and imbued with purpose. This philosophy lies at the heart of Cesta Collective, a brand that seamlessly intertwines aesthetic refinement with social responsibility.
Founded by Courtney Fasciano and Erin Ryder, Cesta was born not from a conventional business plan but rather a chance introduction — a blind “friend” date that would alter the trajectory of their careers. Within weeks, they had a vision: to harness their combined decades of experience in the fashion industry to create something meaningful. “We were both at an impasse, questioning our paths,” recalls Ryder. “But rather than start over, we realized we could take our honed skills and build something different — a brand that uplifts women while treading lightly on the earth.”
At its core, Cesta is a mission-driven brand, devoted to ethical craftsmanship and responsible luxury. Each handbag begins its journey in Rwanda, where female artisans weave the signature baskets by hand using sustainably harvested sisal, dyed with organic vegetable pigments. The baskets then travel to Italy, where they are finished in a centuries-old atelier with responsibly sourced leather and delicate gold hardware. The result: timeless, impeccably crafted accessories that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are purposeful.
What sets Cesta apart is not only its commitment to sustainability but also its transformative impact on the lives of the women who bring each piece to life. The brand has trained over 1,400 female artisans in Rwanda, providing wages four to five times the national average — empowering them to achieve financial independence, invest in land, and build futures for their families. “Before, I didn’t always know if I could afford food if the crops failed or if I could pay for medical care,” shares Niyitegeka Liberte, a Cesta Collective cooperative leader. “Now, I can confidently provide for my family, invest in land, and uplift others in my community.”
The integrity of Cesta’s mission has resonated widely, attracting a devoted following of chic women including Meghan Markle, who invested in the brand through her fund Archewell Foundation — further cementing its place at the intersection of style and substance. “It’s not enough to greenwash a mission statement or create a token sustainable capsule,” says Ryder. “The customer is more informed than ever.” Fasciano adds, “ They deserve authenticity, and they see right through anything less.”
Cesta’s commitment to ethical production does not come at the expense of refinement. On the contrary, the brand epitomizes understated elegance, drawing inspiration from strong, independent women and the textile artists who have shaped design history — Anni Albers, Gunta Stölzl, and Louise Bourgeois among them.
“Luxury, for us, is about intention — owning fewer, better things that tell a story.”
Their latest collections showcase an evolution of this vision, while remaining true to their ethos of elevated design and conscious craftsmanship. This includes the coveted (and very limited!) Èliou x Cesta collaboration which merges its classic clutch’s silhouette with Èliou’s signature beaded embellishments, creating a capsule collection that feels both modern and timeless. The Bucket Bag, a fusion of woven sisal and heavyweight cotton canvas (or supple suede), offers a softly structured, effortlessly wearable shape. Meanwhile, the Crossbody Bag introduces a sleek, streamlined aesthetic without sacrificing the tactile beauty of handwoven materials. The Taco Tote (my new personal favorite) is a study in form and function that reimagines the tote bag into a contemporary classic with a sculptural yet soft shape to take you from the beach to the boardroom in style.
For Cesta’s founders, the greatest validation comes not from industry accolades but from the women who carry their bags. “The most rewarding moments come when we spot someone wearing one of our designs in the wild,” says Ryder. Especially when they’re proud of supporting the mission and excited about our supply chain integrity. That’s when we know we’ve broken through on a deeper level.”
Building a brand with such a strong ethical foundation is not without its challenges. “The highs are incredibly high, and the lows can be just as extreme,” Ryder admits. “But we share a deep friendship, a strange sense of humor, and a vision that makes it all worthwhile.” Their advice to fellow entrepreneurs? “Learn to prioritize. There will always be more to do than there is time. And know when to say no.”
As Cesta continues to redefine modern luxury, its guiding principles remain unwavering: to create exquisitely crafted accessories that honor and empower the hands that make them, while leaving the lightest possible footprint on the earth. “Luxury, for us, is about intention — owning fewer, better things that tell a story,” says Fasciano. “And we’re just getting started.”
Photos courtesy of Cesta Collective
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