Last week, I was invited to preview Riona, a wonderful range of vegan handbags and accessories designed by Montreal-based fashion designer Maddie Ciccone, who started her line of PETA-approved bags during the pandemic as a way to keep creative during lockdown. The brand celebrates a one year anniversary this month.
[Maddie Ciccone]
The monogram logo is derived from the Riona letters merged to form a circle, representing the planet, fused with a bird to symbolize freedom.
All bags and accessories in the range are made from recycled polyurethane (PU) and are biodegradable. In fact, about 10 recycled bottles are contained in each handbag!
The preview kicked off a one-month pop-up shop at Surrey’s Guildford Town Centre (on through November 25, located on the second floor close to Starbuck’s), however all Bentley luggage stores carry the Riona collection.
You can select from all sizes and shapes in both pebbled and smooth textures. The bags are very practical, are detailed for both quality and style. The hardware is made from a tarnish-resistant, strong zinc alloy that is one of the strongest metals available. For security, there’s an interior RFID zippered pouch for safely carrying ID and credit cards.
[The Hamilton Mini Tote!]
Many of the smaller styles are double-gusseted; all include two straps to go from day to evening. When I showed this beautiful Hamilton Mini Tote off to my husband and asked him to guess how much it cost, he guessed $300. He was quite surprised when I showed him the $59.99 price tag!
In fact, the entire collection ranges in price from CAD $49 to $89.99, making them very affordable for gifts of all tastes and wardrobes.
The super stylish Hamilton Tote features a top metal zipper closure, interior RFID pocket, two slip pockets and a 53 cm to 61 cm (21” to 24”) crossbody strap that easily clips to the bag’s side hardware. It also comes with a lightweight storage bag.
Visit the Riona collection online at Bentley stores, celebrating their 35th anniversary this year! Lower Mainland Bentley locations include Metrotown, Lougheed Town Centre, Coquitlam Mall, Capilano Mall, Guildford Town Centre and Central City.
