Montreal-based luggage, bag and accessory retailer Bentley has launched a new line of eco-friendly cruelty-free vegan handbags and wallets that the company says is approved by PETA. The new line is called the RIONA collection and it is part of a trend away from utilizing leather and other real animal skins.
The RIONA collection is being designed in Montreal under the direction of Bentley’s Category Manager for Handbags, Maddie Ciccone. She sought-out high-quality polyurethane as a material which is a a biodegradable material that is less harmful to the environment.
The bags are beautiful and modern and will resonate with a wide range of consumers. The gilded components on RIONA handbags are made with high-grade zinc which Bentley notes is a strong and durable alloy that does not tarnish over time. The interior finish of the bags is made with 100% recycled plastic bottles with approximately 10 bottles being utilized for the monogram Jacquard lining for each bag.
Sustainability is a hot topic as many consumers seek out ways to preserve the environment. Vegan fashions is another hot topic as more people seek out animal alternatives.
“Bentley continues to constantly improve our ways, be creative, strive for excellence, and never stop learning while providing our customers with high-quality and timeless handbags and wallets. Our RIONA Collection is a beautiful evolution of styles, providing sustainability, practical and functional silhouettes at affordable prices, while helping to protect the planet and animals,” said Walter Lamothe, President of Bentley.
The collection includes handbags, crossbody and satchel bags, totes, mini essential bags, pouches, make-up cases, wallets, card holders, key chains, and coin purses in a variety of colours such as black, pink, cognac, taupe, burgundy, and khaki.
Bentley added RFID protection in its handbags and wallets, incorporating the latest RFID signal blocking technology to ensure that a user’s personal data, cards, and keys are safe. Metallic layers are integrated into the card slots (in wallets) or interior zipper pockets (in handbags) preventing thieves from electronically scanning or skimming one’s cards and personal data.
Retail Insider recently partnered with Best Edmonton Mall and its Youtube channel which features a biweekly quiz night that has been well received. Retail Insider sponsors the show and recently worked with Bentley to give away three $100 gift cards during the Best Edmonton Mall segments. Sunday February 13 saw the first $100 lucky winner and two more will be given away on the evenings of February 27 and March 13 (8pm Mountain time/10pm Eastern).
