Vera Bradley celebrates International Women's Day with New Hope Girls collaboration

By

Robin Driver

Published
Mar 2, 2020

American bag and luggage company Vera Bradley has partnered back up with Dominican Republic-based non-profit New Hope Girls to launch their second collaborative handbag collection in honor of International Women’s Day, 

 
The three-style limited-edition collection features a tote, a zip pouch and a hobo bag, all of which feature an exclusive tropical pattern inspired by the Caribbean. All pieces have been designed and sewn by artisans from New Hope Girls.
 
Proceeds from the collection will go towards the non-profit’s efforts to provide refuge, housing, education and jobs for girls and women.

Vera Bradley has been working with New Hope Girls since 2016, when the American company provided a workshop equipped with self-sustaining industrial sewing machines and refurbished the non-profit’s community room.
 
Since then the company has continued to offer business mentoring, as well as assistance in sewing and design training, to New Hope Girls.
 
“Last year, the New Hope Girls styles sold out within an hour of being released, allowing us to immediately give light and life to women and girls in need,” commented Vera Bradley’s chief marketing officer, Stephanie Scheele, in a release. “We are truly honored to continue our partnership and bring awareness to such an amazing organization.”
 
“We first launched on International Women’s Day in 2011 with two women sharing one
pedal machine, and with the help of Vera Bradley, have created jobs for 14 women and touched the lives of more than 120 girls,” added New Hope Girls executive director Joy Reyes. “We’re beyond grateful for their shared passion and continued support to grow and bless our mission and purpose for years to come.”
 
The New Hope Girls + Vera Bradley collection will go on sale on March 8 – International Women’s Day – and will be available in Vera Bradley stores, as well as online.