The flagship material of Piper & Skye’s luxury handbags is pirarucu. An Amazonian fish native to Brazil, pirarucu is a food source for individuals living in small fishing towns. The skin of the pirarucu is usually thrown in the trash or burned after harvesting resulting in increased waste and carbon emissions. By utilizing this food by-product in the design of our sustainable handbags, Piper & Skye directly increases the income of local fishermen. This additional income can be used by these fishermen to achieve greater food security and improved nutrition. Furthermore, by making use of the whole fish, rather than just the meat, a more sustainable form of agriculture is achieved. (Read more)

Why It Matters

One of our primary objectives when selecting a material from which to craft our luxury handbags was selecting one that allowed us to make a positive economic difference in the lives of underprivileged individuals. Piper & Skye’s direct partnership with local Amazonian fishing communities allows us to do just that. With a consistent and predictable demand for pirarucu leather resulting in more productive employment, these communities can achieve more sustained and sustainable economic growth. (Read more)

Why It Matters

Economic development throughout the 20th century has been tainted by accompanying widespread environmental destruction. The primary catalysts of this destruction have been overconsumption and a lack of product circularity. The emergence of ‘fast fashion’ has resulted in landfills becoming clogged with apparel and accessories that consumers are led to believe is only wearable for one season. In the design of all our handbags, Piper & Skye considers sustainable consumption and production objectives at all stages of the product life cycle. From selecting materials with a low carbon footprint, to our Green Office Policy, and circularity projects, we work towards sustainable consumption and production patterns in all aspects of our business. (Read more)

Why It Matters