No.49 Handbags, founded by Rosanne Wood, is redefining sustainable luxury in the fashion industry. Focused on combining innovative materials like bamboo and apple leather with timeless design, the brand creates eco-conscious handbags that align with modern values. Under Rosanne’s leadership, No.49 has become known for its commitment to reducing environmental impact while offering style-forward options that resonate with ethical consumers.
Tell us more about yourself
Fashion should never come at the cost of an animal’s life. Compassion in every stitch!
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
I believe in kindness and its transformative power in our daily lives. Treating others and animals with compassion and respect is essential to creating a positive impact in the world. The environment is also incredibly important to me, and I strive to make conscious decisions that contribute to its protection. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors and activities like scuba diving and hiking and engaging in any activity really that allow me to appreciate the beauty of our planet.
I have also always had a passion for handbags. My love for the environment and handbags led to the creation of No. 49 Handbags and it’s why I chose to give back by helping in keeping plastic out of our oceans. I strive to live a life and build a company that embodies my values, blending my love for nature, fashion, and kindness into everything I do.
Tell us more about your Vegan business
We use materials like apple, bamboo, raffia, and recycled products for all of our handbags! 4. Luxurious Yet Conscious: Style doesn’t have to sacrifice ethics
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
No.49 Handbags is a vegan and sustainable handbag line operating in Canada. We are relatively new, having just started in late 2023.
No. 49 prioritizes next generation materials such as bamboo, apple leather, recycled materials, and raffia. In addition to choosing sustainable materials, we actively give back to the community by partnering with Clean Hub, which helps collect two pounds of ocean-bound plastic for every handbag sold. This initiative not only prevents plastic from entering our waterways but also supports the establishment of fair wage jobs and creating recycling facilities in vulnerable regions where there was not adequate waste management. We also take steps to offset our carbon footprint by planting trees and contributing to grassland carbon capture projects. Our handbags are designed to be timeless and durable, to serve our customers well for years to come. We are a small company with a lot of passion for being cruelty-free and for our planet.
Why a Vegan business?
Why choose sustainable materials? 🌿 Because who wouldn’t want to save the planet AND look good doing it?
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
The vegan and sustainable movement is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that’s transforming the way we think about food, fashion, and the future of our planet!
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
It’s all for the love of animals and our beautiful planet. Many animals, including cows, pigs, and goats, are raised in factory farming conditions that are inhumane, involving overcrowding, lack of proper care, and harsh treatment. I once saw a video on where down filling comes from. And it is truly a horrific torture that no living creature should have to endure once, yet alone repeatedly. The animal leather industry also has a huge environmental footprint. It contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, requires extensive land, water, and feed resources, contributing to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the tanning process—used to convert raw hides into usable leather—often involves harmful chemicals, such as chromium, which can pollute water sources and soil.
Cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable handbags
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
Fiona crossbody. It is named after my youngest daughter. It has lots of room and is timeless. Made from renewable bamboo.
Sophia Shoulder Bag- Named after my great niece. It is made from raffia and I think it is so glamorous!
Kiki is made from apple leather and Kiki 2.0. is made from bamboo leather. Kiki is named after my oldest daughter. It is great everyday and an on-the-go bag!
Dani- Named after my very first niece. It is a hobo bag for those who like everything in thier handbag! Dani is loved and made from recycled plastics.
Chancy satchel/shoulder bag- Named after my best friend and the most amazing woman who has had the biggest impact on my life aside from my children. Chancy is made from bamboo leather and is 100% elegant.
Interesting brand stories
In Numerology, the number forty-nine signifies new beginnings, change, growth, and above all, finding solutions for mankind and mother earth
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
I chose the name No. 49 as I just passed my 49th birthday. I want to be an example for women that age is just a number and that it is never too late to achieve your goals and follow your dreams. In addition, I thought it fit perfectly with the numerology meaning of the number 49 which signifies new beginnings, change, growth and finding solutions for mankind and mother earth which is what the brand is all about.
Is there anyone in particular you wish to thank?
Vegan fashion is on the rise, with innovative materials like bamboo leather and recycled fabrics taking center stage. You can look fabulous while staying true to your values. Who knew saving the planet could be so chic?
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
I am full of gratitude to the incredible people in my life. My daughters are my guiding light, reminding me of what truly matters and keeping me grounded. Thank you to my mother for instilling in me a strong work ethic which has always been a powerful inspiration. I am also deeply thankful to my customers, whose support and encouragement have been a constant source of motivation. Lastly, to my friends and family, their belief in me has been invaluable. The collective support around me fuels me and drives me forward.
I am truly grateful for every single customer. A couple exciting ones so far have been when the Sophia bag was worn at the Cannes Film Festival, a dream come true for any designer. Another was being tagged by a prominent doctor taking her Chancy out on the town. Both were pretty mind blowing being in my first year in business.
In your opinion, why are meatless diets on the rise?
There is definitely more awareness about the treatment of animals and the impacts on the environment. For some it is also for health benefits like reducing inflammation that causes chronic diseases or to improve heart health. Society is also just shifting. There is now more availability of diverse and flavourful plant-based food that has made it easier and more enjoyable.
Despite the rise in popularity, misconceptions about veganism persist.
A very common one is that vegans do not get enough protein. As I heard once, no one has ever died from a lack of meat in their diet. There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, and whole grains. Many people also view veganism as just a diet. However, most vegans chose the lifestyle for ethical, environmental, and health reasons.
No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
Cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable handbags. With each handbag sold, 2lbs of plastic will be collected and diverted from entering our waterways.
all images courtesty of No. 49 Sustainable & Vegan Handbags
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