Why Maraki Is Our Favorite Leather Bag Brand Right Now

While Begashaw designs the bags in New York City, they are intricately manufactured and handcrafted in Ethiopia by Ethiopian women artisans.

Photography by Takashi Soehl

In today’s fashion climate, it can be difficult to find functional, stylish, sustainable, and timeless bags. Oftentimes, we’re constantly on the hunt for a bag we can take to work and straight to an event, and it's elevated enough for both. For us, that bag comes from Maraki. Designed in New York City and handcrafted in Ethiopia, Maraki specializes in leather bags that serve as everyday statement pieces.

In 2023, Ethiopia Begashaw’s brainchild came to life. She created the brand with the intention of being able to dress a bag up or down in an ethical way. The design, production, and processes of the leather industry can be detrimental to both the climate and labor conditions. Begashaw knew she had to combat that by empowering women in the fashion industry and the hard-working women in her homeland of Ethiopia.

Photography by Takashi Soehl

Each Maraki bag tells a story of Begashaw’s culture, experiences, and self-reflection, titled in Amharic, the native language of Ethiopia. While Begashaw designs the bags in New York City, they are intricately manufactured and handcrafted in Ethiopia by Ethiopian women artisans.

Unlike fast fashion, Begashaw assures Maraki is never overproduced to minimize the carbon footprint as much as possible. Each bag is made from durable full-grain leathers, including cowhides, calfskin, and sheepskin flesh split leather prepared and tanned in Addis Ababa. They are made to be worn and appreciated for years, as they are treated to be resistant to stains and water damage.

The affordable bags range from $110 to $350. Styles include clutches, totes, shoulder bags, bucket bags, backpacks, travel bags, hobo bags, ruched bags, and convertible bags. You can shop at maraki.us. They are also having a pop-up shop at Tumbao on October 25.