Ethical Luxury and Handwoven Elegance: The World of Cesta Collective
Origins and Founding
Cesta Collective was founded in 2018 by Erin Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano, two fashion industry veterans who met through a mutual friend. Their shared vision was to create a brand that combined ethical practices with high-end design, leading to the inception of Cesta Collective. The brand’s name, “Cesta,” meaning “basket” in several languages, reflects its focus on handcrafted basket bags.
Ownership and Leadership
Erin Ryder and Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano remain the co-founders and creative directors of Cesta Collective. They continue to oversee the brand’s operations, ensuring that its mission of ethical craftsmanship and sustainable luxury remains at the forefront.
Aesthetic and Design Language
Cesta Collective is renowned for its minimalist yet sophisticated designs, characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral color palette. The brand’s signature basket bags are handwoven by female artisans in Rwanda using locally sourced, renewable resources such as organic vegetable-dyed sisal and raffia. Each piece is then finished in Italy with ethically sourced materials, including vegetable-tanned Italian leather and hand-tooled 18kt gold-plated brass hardware.
Notable Pieces
- Bucket Bag – A versatile bag featuring a structured silhouette, adjustable leather strap, and organic cotton canvas lining.
- Taco Tote – A spacious tote with a unique curved shape, combining functionality with elegant design.
- Mini Fan Bag – A compact accessory with a distinctive fan-like structure, perfect for evening outings.
- Lunchpail – A playful yet practical bag inspired by traditional lunch pails, offering a modern twist on a classic design.
- Braided Canvas Tote – A limited-edition piece featuring intricate braiding and a blend of canvas and leather materials.
Famous Fans
- Meghan Markle
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Cameron Diaz
- Dua Lipa
- Emma Watson
The Future
Cesta Collective continues to expand its global presence while staying true to its core values of ethical production and sustainable luxury. With a growing customer base and increasing recognition in the fashion industry, the brand is poised to make a lasting impact by redefining what it means to be both fashionable and socially responsible.
