Behno New York: A Minimalist Handbag Brand Honoring Indian Craftsmanship

Photo&colon; Courtesy of Behno New York

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Behno New York
Headquarters: New York, NY
E-commerce: behno.com
Social Media: Instagram

What: A luxury, minimalist handbag brand with all its products produced across India in partnership with various manufacturing partners.

Price Range: $245-$1,000

Founder: Shivam Punjya

Origin Story: Shivam Punjya founded Behno, a New York-based luxury handbag brand, in 2015. The brand mission is to “redefine the fashion industry by integrating conscious manufacturing practices and luxury design.” The name “behno,” meaning “sisters” in Hindi, reflects the brand’s commitment to fostering a sense of sisterhood among its artisans and empowering women in the garment industry.

Punjya’s academic background in international political economics and global health influenced the creation of the brand, as did his experiences working for an education advocacy nonprofit and with the Indian Institute of Public Health in India. During his time in India, the founder interacted with textile workers and became aware of the disparities between their labor and earnings. This awareness was further heightened by the tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which resulted in the loss of more than 1,100 lives. Motivated by these events, Punjya sought to create a brand that would challenge unethical practices in the fashion industry and improve the lives of garment workers.

Hero Products: Elizabeth Baguette Mini ($295); Ina Mini Crossbody ($295); Katrina Satchel ($475)

Stockists: Nordstrom

PR Representation: KBPR

How to get in touch: info@behno.com

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Source: Fashionista.com