Fashion
I was horrified at learning how filthy the insides of purses are – now I design bags with a hidden cleaning feature
A FASHIONISTA whose own bag was a battleground of food and makeup was shocked to learn just how filthy the purse linings really are.
After reading a “scientific bombshell,” she had an “aha moment” that led her to design her own purses — which are specially designed to be much easier to clean from the inside out.
Isabella Cavalli revealed the inspiration behind her brand By SÈR, which specializes in purses with reusable liningsIsabella Cavalli
Isabella CavalliIsabella said her purses used to be dirty after throwing in ‘lunch, makeup, cookies, spare shoes, umbrella, and cash’[/caption]
Isabella Cavalli began to work on her accessories brand, By SÈR, around 2016 when she became disappointed with the options on the market.
The former retail manager, 39, from Leeds, UK, told The U.S. Sun that she began to explore the possibility of designing purses with a removable, washable, and replaceable lining after having a mishap.
“During the majority of my career in the beauty industry, my bag was a daily battleground,” she said.
“Dealing with sewn-in liners that couldn’t be easily cleaned made the process more challenging.
“This struggle led me to switch bags frequently, aiming for a fresh beginning without the lingering aftermath of spills.
“It’s a relatable dance many of us do, trying to balance our daily essentials while keeping our bags in check and ready for whatever the day throws our way.
“A pivotal moment happened when I accidentally spilled foundation on my beloved handbag just two weeks into owning it.
“The suggested £167 [$213] for liner repair felt like a punchline from a comedy I had no interest in paying that much.
“Observing the rapid pace of fast fashion and how bags met their demise, I realized the dirty, ruined liner was a common adversary for women and their cherished bags.
“As a full-time manager, my bag became the catch-all for a chaotic life — lunch, makeup, cookies, spare shoes, umbrella, and a mysterious stash of money, you name it I had it all.
“The bacterial brew within wasn’t exactly emitting ‘Girl Boss’ vibes.
“Then, the scientific bombshell hit: women’s bags are dirtier than toilets. Cue my ‘aha’ moment.
“If I, in my bag-laden woes, felt this way, surely other women were in the same boat.”
Isabella was shocked when she read a study examining the role purses play in the transmission of pathogens.
The research published by the National Library of Medicine found that purses are often kept in environments “laden with bacteria,” such as kitchen tables, restroom countertops, and fast food counters.
While purses can easily be contaminated with infectious agents, the majority of participants never emptied their purses and just 2% cleaned them at least once a month.
A 2016 German study cited by iNews, found 10,000 different bacteria present in purses, which is more than your average toilet seat.
Isabella read several studies that showed purses could easily be contaminated with infectious agentsIsabella Cavalli
Isabella said hygiene was just as important as style and durability when she began designing her range of purses.
“Our first By SÈR collection, named Timeless, remains a staple for us,” she said.
“I aimed to design versatile handbags with practical features, ensuring they could withstand daily use.
“The changeable inner liners were a pivotal feature, promoting hygiene and adaptability.
We want to change the world one-liner at a time, reduce the waste, and protect our planet.
Isabella Cavalli
“Additionally, I focused on timeless aesthetics, allowing the bags to complement various styles and occasions.
“Sustainability played a crucial role, inspiring choices that contribute to a more eco-friendly approach.
“Overall, the goal was to create a harmonious blend of fashion, functionality, and responsible design.
“The ‘Wash, Replace, and Repeat’ concept for our inner liners revolutionizes the way women interact with their handbags.
Isabella said By SÈR’s purses are designed to be washed and reusedIsabella Cavalli
“This innovative approach allows users to easily wash the liners, maintaining a clean and hygienic interior.
“When it comes to wear and tear or a desire for a fresh look, the replaceable liners offer a simple solution.
“The repetitive cycle of washing, replacing, and repeating ensures that the handbag remains a long-lasting and versatile accessory.
“This not only addresses the common issue of dirty liners but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
“Instead of discarding entire bags due to a worn-out or soiled liner, users can make a conscious choice to replace only the inner liner, reducing waste and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to fashion.
Isabella’s care tips
Cleaning: Regularly wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
For the inner liner, handwash it separately using mild soap or a gentle detergent. Air dry thoroughly. Change the liner every two weeks or as you feel it’s necessary.
Customers can buy extra liners on our website (www.satya-and-ro.com)
Storage: Store your purse in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, stuff the bag with tissue or bubble wrap to maintain its shape.
Avoid Moisture: Keep the bag away from prolonged exposure to rain or moisture.
If the leather does get wet, pat it dry with a clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally.
Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather soft and supple. Be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
“It’s a game-changer for those who seek both practicality and style in their everyday accessories.
“It is very concerning what is happening with the seasonal bags and clothes and where they end up.
“We want to change the world one-liner at a time, reduce the waste, and protect our planet.”
Isabella had to learn on the go because she didn’t have any connections with purse manufacturers before starting her business.
But her first collection sold out within three months of launching and she now ships her designs worldwide.
Isabella confessed that she’s always paying attention to how clean other people’s purses areIsabella Cavalli
“I haven’t bought any handbags other than my own since 2018,” she said.
“I have this dilemma now, I feel like I cheat every time I look at another bag. For me, practicality is very important.
“The right accessories can really make the outfit stand out, and I like investment pieces.
“I have this thing now, I always pay attention to someone’s handbag and how clean it is.
Isabella said hygiene would remain a top priority if she were to carry a purse from a different brandIsabella Cavalli
“However, if I were to carry a different bag, maintaining cleanliness is a priority.
“Ensuring the liners are consistently clean is key to preventing the accumulation of bacteria – a practice I find essential for a hygienic and worry-free experience.”
By SÈR purses are only available to buy online from Isabella’s website Satya-and-ro.com.
Each purse comes with an extra liner, while additional liners can be purchased for $38.
Isabella said many of the bags have a secret pocket that can be used to store valuablesIsabella Cavalli
The Ella crossbody bag is priced at $115, while their popular duffle bag which was featured in British Vogue has sold out.
Isabella raved about the brand’s range of travel totes that feature a hidden pocket. They are priced from $444.
“The pocket is hidden under the liner and it cannot be visible when the bag is open, which is fantastic for when you want to store your valuables of passports [or] jewelry,” she said.
“Once the liners are pinned inside the bag, it is difficult to see the difference at all.
“For example, I use our crossbody pouch bag and when I go out I store my keys and my bank card under the liner.
“This way if I leave my bag open it won’t fall out.”
Isabella said her brand is set to release a collection of new purse designs later this yearIsabella Cavalli
A FASHIONISTA whose own bag was a battleground of food and makeup was shocked to learn just how filthy the purse linings really are.
After reading a “scientific bombshell,” she had an “aha moment” that led her to design her own purses — which are specially designed to be much easier to clean from the inside out.
Isabella Cavalli revealed the inspiration behind her brand By SÈR, which specializes in purses with reusable liningsIsabella Cavalli
Isabella CavalliIsabella said her purses used to be dirty after throwing in ‘lunch, makeup, cookies, spare shoes, umbrella, and cash’[/caption]
Isabella Cavalli began to work on her accessories brand, By SÈR, around 2016 when she became disappointed with the options on the market.
The former retail manager, 39, from Leeds, UK, told The U.S. Sun that she began to explore the possibility of designing purses with a removable, washable, and replaceable lining after having a mishap.
“During the majority of my career in the beauty industry, my bag was a daily battleground,” she said.
“Dealing with sewn-in liners that couldn’t be easily cleaned made the process more challenging.
“This struggle led me to switch bags frequently, aiming for a fresh beginning without the lingering aftermath of spills.
“It’s a relatable dance many of us do, trying to balance our daily essentials while keeping our bags in check and ready for whatever the day throws our way.
“A pivotal moment happened when I accidentally spilled foundation on my beloved handbag just two weeks into owning it.
“The suggested £167 [$213] for liner repair felt like a punchline from a comedy I had no interest in paying that much.
“Observing the rapid pace of fast fashion and how bags met their demise, I realized the dirty, ruined liner was a common adversary for women and their cherished bags.
“As a full-time manager, my bag became the catch-all for a chaotic life — lunch, makeup, cookies, spare shoes, umbrella, and a mysterious stash of money, you name it I had it all.
“The bacterial brew within wasn’t exactly emitting ‘Girl Boss’ vibes.
“Then, the scientific bombshell hit: women’s bags are dirtier than toilets. Cue my ‘aha’ moment.
“If I, in my bag-laden woes, felt this way, surely other women were in the same boat.”
Isabella was shocked when she read a study examining the role purses play in the transmission of pathogens.
The research published by the National Library of Medicine found that purses are often kept in environments “laden with bacteria,” such as kitchen tables, restroom countertops, and fast food counters.
While purses can easily be contaminated with infectious agents, the majority of participants never emptied their purses and just 2% cleaned them at least once a month.
A 2016 German study cited by iNews, found 10,000 different bacteria present in purses, which is more than your average toilet seat.
Isabella read several studies that showed purses could easily be contaminated with infectious agentsIsabella Cavalli
Isabella said hygiene was just as important as style and durability when she began designing her range of purses.
“Our first By SÈR collection, named Timeless, remains a staple for us,” she said.
“I aimed to design versatile handbags with practical features, ensuring they could withstand daily use.
“The changeable inner liners were a pivotal feature, promoting hygiene and adaptability.
We want to change the world one-liner at a time, reduce the waste, and protect our planet.
Isabella Cavalli
“Additionally, I focused on timeless aesthetics, allowing the bags to complement various styles and occasions.
“Sustainability played a crucial role, inspiring choices that contribute to a more eco-friendly approach.
“Overall, the goal was to create a harmonious blend of fashion, functionality, and responsible design.
“The ‘Wash, Replace, and Repeat’ concept for our inner liners revolutionizes the way women interact with their handbags.
Isabella said By SÈR’s purses are designed to be washed and reusedIsabella Cavalli
“This innovative approach allows users to easily wash the liners, maintaining a clean and hygienic interior.
“When it comes to wear and tear or a desire for a fresh look, the replaceable liners offer a simple solution.
“The repetitive cycle of washing, replacing, and repeating ensures that the handbag remains a long-lasting and versatile accessory.
“This not only addresses the common issue of dirty liners but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
“Instead of discarding entire bags due to a worn-out or soiled liner, users can make a conscious choice to replace only the inner liner, reducing waste and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to fashion.
Isabella’s care tips
Cleaning: Regularly wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
For the inner liner, handwash it separately using mild soap or a gentle detergent. Air dry thoroughly. Change the liner every two weeks or as you feel it’s necessary.
Customers can buy extra liners on our website (www.satya-and-ro.com)
Storage: Store your purse in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If possible, stuff the bag with tissue or bubble wrap to maintain its shape.
Avoid Moisture: Keep the bag away from prolonged exposure to rain or moisture.
If the leather does get wet, pat it dry with a clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally.
Conditioning: Apply a leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather soft and supple. Be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
“It’s a game-changer for those who seek both practicality and style in their everyday accessories.
“It is very concerning what is happening with the seasonal bags and clothes and where they end up.
“We want to change the world one-liner at a time, reduce the waste, and protect our planet.”
Isabella had to learn on the go because she didn’t have any connections with purse manufacturers before starting her business.
But her first collection sold out within three months of launching and she now ships her designs worldwide.
Isabella confessed that she’s always paying attention to how clean other people’s purses areIsabella Cavalli
“I haven’t bought any handbags other than my own since 2018,” she said.
“I have this dilemma now, I feel like I cheat every time I look at another bag. For me, practicality is very important.
“The right accessories can really make the outfit stand out, and I like investment pieces.
“I have this thing now, I always pay attention to someone’s handbag and how clean it is.
Isabella said hygiene would remain a top priority if she were to carry a purse from a different brandIsabella Cavalli
“However, if I were to carry a different bag, maintaining cleanliness is a priority.
“Ensuring the liners are consistently clean is key to preventing the accumulation of bacteria – a practice I find essential for a hygienic and worry-free experience.”
By SÈR purses are only available to buy online from Isabella’s website Satya-and-ro.com.
Each purse comes with an extra liner, while additional liners can be purchased for $38.
Isabella said many of the bags have a secret pocket that can be used to store valuablesIsabella Cavalli
The Ella crossbody bag is priced at $115, while their popular duffle bag which was featured in British Vogue has sold out.
Isabella raved about the brand’s range of travel totes that feature a hidden pocket. They are priced from $444.
“The pocket is hidden under the liner and it cannot be visible when the bag is open, which is fantastic for when you want to store your valuables of passports [or] jewelry,” she said.
“Once the liners are pinned inside the bag, it is difficult to see the difference at all.
“For example, I use our crossbody pouch bag and when I go out I store my keys and my bank card under the liner.
“This way if I leave my bag open it won’t fall out.”
Isabella said her brand is set to release a collection of new purse designs later this yearIsabella CavalliFashion – Latest Style News And Fabulous Trends | The Sun
