Bag: Silver and Riley Convertible Executive Bag {midi size} | Outerwear: Derek Lam Cape {from the Fall 2011 collection} {similar here + here} | Top: J.McLaughlin Finn Shirt | Denim: Madewell High Rise Jeans | Shoes: Loeffler Randall Natalia Platform Heels {also in this post} | Jewelry: Lisi Lerch Earrings | Eyewear: Linda Farrow Dunaway Sunglasses
Today, I’m excited to share more about the new-to-me brand Silver and Riley! When the brand reached out to share more about their products, I was immediately awe-struck by their classic designs and story. Not only is it a woman-founded line, the quality and function of the bags are so fantastic. Definitely a new favorite!
Silver and Riley: An Origin Story
In her jet-setting life as a business consultant, Lola Banjo has visited more than a hundred countries. But as she hit the road, she never found a travel bag she loved. As she observed what her colleagues carried, she came across many high-performing bags. But she imagined herself carrying something with a bit more personality. She says, “After searching around for years, I decided that I could design my own bag.” From there, Silver and Riley was born.
In 2019, a decade after conceiving the idea, Lola Banjo launched her brand, Silver and Riley, specializing in duffles and handbags priced between $395 and $995. These bags boast a variety of colors in Italian leather, ranging from crocodile print to luxe smooth leathers. They are equipped with practical pockets and versatile straps, allowing users to carry them in various ways. Crucially, they are built to endure years of frequent use.
Lola Banjo’s passion for crafting extraordinary bags stems from a lifelong fascination with creating things better. From her early years with toys to her current venture into travel and style handbags as an entrepreneur, her designs incorporate a unique blend of ergonomics and style. At Silver and Riley, innovation and quality stand as the cornerstones of their work. Each item is meticulously crafted by their skilled artisans, utilizing premium quality materials.
Buy 1, Give 5: Empowering Women
Silver and Riley’s commitment to empowering women goes beyond their luxurious handbags. They firmly believe in supporting each other on the path to success. This is the driving force behind their Buy 1, Give 5 program, which is the cornerstone of their brand. This program provides support to women entrepreneurs through micro-grants, aiding them in starting, growing, and scaling their businesses.
Commencing a business, especially one that requires significant capital, can be a daunting task. Women, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups, may face more substantial startup costs due to economic and income disparities, often limiting their growth potential. Silver and Riley understand these challenges intimately, which is why their Buy 1, Give 5 program is paramount.
Through this program, Silver and Riley aims to assist women entrepreneurs across various industries in realizing their dreams. Five percent of all sales are dedicated to this fund, awarded to women entrepreneurs bi-annually. The program was initiated at the brand’s inception and has grown alongside their success. In short, each Silver and Riley handbag purchase supports for women entrepreneurs worldwide.
In every Silver and Riley handbag, you will find Lola Banjo’s passion for design, her unwavering commitment to quality, and her deep belief in the potential of women. It’s not just a bag; it’s a symbol of empowerment and style.
Silver and Riley: Made in Italy
As a luxury brand, Silver and Riley prioritizes the use of top-of-the-line materials in their product creation. Their Made in Italy products are manufactured in the same factories, employing identical costs and processes as other luxury bag brands, yet their prices remain a fraction of the competition. Moreover, their unwavering commitment is to provide top-tier luxury products at reasonable prices, believing that everyone deserves access to exceptional quality.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident from the inception of the design and prototyping process at Silver and Riley, all the way through to the final product’s creation and delivery. Their products are painstakingly crafted in the Tuscan region of Italy, where the art of leather craftsmanship has been honed over generations. Each stitch, fold, and piece of leather is handled with precision and care. It is not just about creating a bag; it is about fashioning a piece of art that accompanies individuals on their life’s journey.
In Closing
In conclusion, Silver and Riley handbags are more than mere accessories; they embody a labor of love, a commitment to quality, and a beacon of empowerment. Choosing Silver and Riley means embracing a brand that cherishes integrity, craftsmanship, and the potential of women entrepreneurs.
