Alma New York announced the launch of its first handbag collection, designed at the intersection of sustainability and style. Crafted from plant-based leather made from banana stems, Alma’s bags represent a radical shift in fashion, offering 90 percent fewer carbon emissions and 90 percent less water use compared to traditional leather.
“Our design story began not on paper, but with a thought: what if sustainability was the soul of a brand, not just a feature?” said Disha Agrawal, cofounder of Alma. “I wanted to create bags that carried structure without rigidity, form without monotony, and beauty without waste.”
Drawing inspiration from curvilinear architecture and nature’s flowing forms, Alma’s first collection features arcs and curves as a metaphor for circularity. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans and merges aesthetics with utility, a rare balance in luxury handbags, where sleek functionality is often overlooked. Alma has embedded discreet, minimalistic pockets and inserts that enhance usability without compromising style.
“Luxury handbags often force women to choose between beauty and practicality,” Disha said “At Alma, we refused that trade-off. Our designs keep the elegance of high fashion while giving women the smart, functional interiors they deserve.”
By using banana-based leather, Alma avoids animal products, reduces environmental strain, and introduces a next-generation material that is cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and durable.
Collection at a glance:
● Aurum — Work & Travel Hero Tote: Padded laptop sleeve, organized interior, quick-access pockets, trolley sleeve.
● Maris — Evening Shoulder Baguette: Sculptural crescent with secure zip; adjustable, detachable strap.
● Ember — Day-to-Night Crossbody Clutch: Converts from crossbody to clutch; sleek magnetic top closure.
● Kresta — Effortless Everyday Crossbody: Dual-sided design, exterior slip pocket, one-hand magnet access, finished with an adjustable strap for a personalized fit and easy day-to-night wear.
● Wisp — Refined Everyday Crossbody: Streamlined profile with discreet exterior pocket, designed with a convertible strap that shifts seamlessly from crossbody to shoulder style.
● Cedar — Compact Mobile Crossbody: Ultra-slim phone-and-cards companion for concerts, travel, coffee runs.
● Ether — Structured Top Handle: Architectural top-handle that lays flat for cross body wear.
Alma’s bags are crafted with Banofi banana leather, a vegan, plant-based material derived from banana harvest waste. The material is PETA-approved vegan, REACH compliant for the EU, and California Proposition 65 compliant for the U.S.
Alma is taking pre-launch reservations with Kickstarter pricing between $200–$300 across styles; select pieces are expected to retail over $450 at full launch.
Alma’s luxury collection is now on Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/riaag/alma-sculptural-plant-based-leather-handbags
About Alma New York
Alma New York is a sustainable fashion accessories brand dedicated to kind-fashion—bringing together sculptural design, material innovation, and ethical craftsmanship. Designed in New York and crafted in India, Alma creates plant-based handbags that honor both craft and planet while redefining modern luxury.
