Hatti Trading: Brown Primrose Doctors Bag

Hatti Trading have been in the business of providing fairly traded clothing and accessories since 2005, providing work for women in Nepal. They’re known for their whimsical embroidered bags and cute, flowery felt products, but for some they’ve remained just a touch on the hippy dippy side.

To address this, the guys at Hatti been working on creating a fashion forward range of sustainably sourced leather and suede bags and purses, and this example - the Doctors Bag - is definitely more up my street. It has been shortlisted as one of five bags in the New York Handbag Designer 101 Awards (see news story), for most socially responsible handbag, and pleases on both the ethical and the looks side too.

I reckon that ultimate in desirable items - the handbag - is a great challenge for any small accessories company to step up to, and this one is doing well. Soft, slouchy suede cut across by leather straps gives this bag a nice weekend feel. It’s not a go-getting, business bag but its great for smart, casual use and will become a staple in any ladies’ wardrobe. Could be nicely accessorised, too, with charms and scarves for a 2008 Bobo (updated boho, apparently!) look for summer. Nice, and a nice price too.

Cost: £49.95 (Buy Online)