In their words: 

Escama Studio is a sustainable fashion brand based in California and Brazil. Our mission is to create innovative on-trend fashion accessories while promoting sustainable development through trade.

The word 'Escama' means 'fish scales' in Portuguese; the name was chosen because our flagship product -- crocheted accessories with post-consumer pull tabs -- appear as if they're made from big metallic scales of a fish.

To achieve our unique aesthetic, the Escama Studio team adapted traditional Brazilian crochet work and imbued the handmade crafts with a modern design sense and new materials. With designs originating from both San Francisco and Brazil, the pop top bags are handmade in Brazil by artisan groups who are not just contract manufacturers, but an integral part of Escama Studio.

Escama Studio is a green company, a fair trade company and an ongoing experiment in sustainability. We measure our success by the strength of our partnerships with producers in underprivileged communities and by the sense of wonder that our products bring to our fans worldwide. We are all sincerely grateful for every customer who loves these handbags and supports this venture.

Who Made Your Bag?

A fundamental part of Escama Studio is to credit the artists who create each accessory. Each piece comes with a hang tag bearing the signature of the person who made it.

The artists work in co-operatives outside Brasília, Brazil. The groups offer women and men in the community a means to earn a living wage through handicrafts and provide a setting where friends are made and self-esteem is regained.