Founded by Ethiopia Begashaw in Brooklyn in November 2023, MARAKI designs leather bags and accessories in New York and has them handcrafted in Ethiopia by women artisans. Its pieces pair adaptable, everyday forms with Ethiopian cultural identity, including Amharic names and stories. The brand produces in small batches and works with Ethiopian craftspeople whose leather-working practice dates to 1996.
Leather Working Group certification
BembienFounded in 2017 by Yi-Mei Truxes, Bembien is a Greenpoint, Brooklyn accessories brand creating timeless handbags and lifestyle pieces by hand in small batches. Its rattan basket bags, handwoven leather designs and silk scarves connect modern silhouettes with artisan techniques passed down through generations; a single handbag can take up to 10 days to complete. Bembien works with local, women-led weaving communities around the world to help sustain craft heritage.
BracalettiFounded in 2012 by designer Roberto Sacal, Bracaletti creates fine leather goods and jewelry, with its signature cuff links and bracelets joined by handbags and small leather accessories. Although Sacal and the company are based in New York, a Mexico City atelier remains Bracaletti’s center, where an extended team of artisans—including third-generation leather craftsmen—develops prototypes and handcrafts the collection. The label carries forward a family legacy in leather goods that began with Sacal’s father’s jewelry store and the former Casa Aries workshop.NEW YORK, NY
Made By AlexSecond-generation leather smith Alex Dabagh makes custom leather goods and handbags in New York City, carrying forward a craft he learned in his father Pierre’s factory. His factory has operated in the city since 1982 and is described as one of the last and oldest still running there. Made By Alex also produces its own leather bags and custom athletic pieces, all made in New York City.New York, NY
Park Avenue TrimmingFamily-owned Park Avenue Trimming makes leather goods and components for designers and brands from its New York City factory, taking projects from samples through full production. Established in 1982 as a handbag factory, the business expanded in 2011 when founder Pierre Dabagh’s eldest son, Alex, opened Park Avenue Trimming. Its experienced artisans still handcraft the work in the heart of the Garment District, where the company serves clients of all sizes.New York, NY