mar y sol by mad imports

Mar y Sol is a socially & environmentally responsible company that markets handmade handbags from Madagascar & Kenya. The colorful accessories blend the traditional and contemporary design ideas of international artisan partners who incorporate renewable raw materials to create original clutches, totes and shoulder bags. The sale of their products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation.

Laurel Brandstetter launched Mar y Sol, formerly Mad Imports, in 2003 as an outgrowth of a Madagascar-based development project started by her relative, James Sellers. Since 2003, Mar y Sol products have appeared in major fashion publications including O, Domino, Lucky, Glamour, Cottage Living and on TV spots including E! News, the Today Show and CNN Headline News.

Mar y Sol invests in several development efforts. They continue to work closely with their artisan partners to support sustainable economic development projects, provide a venue for artistic expression and to stimulate cross-cultural exchange. They accomplish this through their ongoing product design and development process to ensure that their artisan partners will see sustainable growth from the sale of the products.