About

Slow Fashion, Made to Last 

Carol S. Miller Handbags is a line of soft, plush, and functional leather and Southwest style wool handbags designed with real women and every day life in mind. Each bag is proudly made in the USA in small factories in New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York, where craftsmen and women are paid a fair wage.

Just as a memorable meal begins with the best ingredients, we use the finest leathers from Italy, Germany, Columbia and the US. Every leather, wool pattern, fabric lining, and piece of hardware is handpicked to ensure the utmost quality.

In this world of fast fashion and constantly changing trends, Carol S. Miller offers our customers classic, first-class handbags that are made to last for years to come.

Sustainably Crafted, Community Supported

Carol S. Miller Sun Bags is a line of sustainable, hand made raffia and straw bags created in Madagascar by local artisans through a collective of 5 workshops in Manjakatompo.

The raffia, straw and sisal is purchased by the collective, dyed, shaped and woven. Materials are locally grown and harvested, contributing to the products’ sustainability. Each bag is handcrafted from natural fibers. No two are exactly the same.

The bags are remarkably durable, making them great for the beach, pool, picnic, grocery store, farmers’ market or gym, and perfect for storing blankets, crafts, and other items at home.

Sales support the individual artisans, and Carol S. Miller donates a portion of profits from each bag to the community organization, La Maison D’Aina, a charity based NGO that has already built two schools, supports the community with social services, medical and dental care, teaches sustainable farming practices and has built workshops for the families of rural Manjakatompo, Madagascar.

Every Carol S. Miller Sun Bag purchase directly impacts the community where the bags are made, creating a lasting impact on rural families.

A Design Story

My handbag business evolved from my career in the NY fashion industry, which allowed me to travel for years to the fashion capitals of the world for my work. And while I adore all things fashion, my first love has always been handbags.

I love all the shapes, sizes, colors and materials that make up every bag, and how each can be tailored to create a specific look. But what I look for in any bag from clutches to hobos is functionality. Ladies, I know I’m not alone. What most of us want in a handbag is security, ease of use, and of course, beauty.

My luxurious line of leather and Pendleton handbags along with my collaboration with the fabulous organization La Masion d’Aina both achieve all three, with every fabric, lining and piece of hardware handpicked to ensure the quality of my product.

It feels great to be part of the slow and sustainable fashion movement in which workers are paid fairly for their work and products are made with care. When you purchase a Carol S. Miller bag, you know you’ve made an educated and ethical choice.

What I love most of all? Giving back to the community where my bags are made, fitting my bags on real women, and getting feedback from my ultimate customers: You!

Thank you for visiting my site. Happy shopping!