Every winter, millions of tonnes of agricultural residue are burned across North India as farmers clear their fields for the next crop cycle. For Kolkata-based accessories label La Baggio, that waste represents something else entirely: the starting point for a new generation of fashion.

The women-owned brand has built its identity around transforming agricultural crop residue into plant-based vegan leather, creating handbags and accessories designed to bring together craftsmanship, functionality and conscious luxury.

Its latest launch, the Merlot Collection, brings that philosophy to life in a rich wine-toned palette through two distinct silhouettes: the Merlot Muse and the Merlot Blossom Clutch.

From Agricultural Waste to Modern Luxury

Founded in 2019 by mother-daughter duo Bhavna and Nikita Belani, La Baggio grew out of a family business with three decades of experience in conventional leather manufacturing and exports.

The decision to move away from animal leather marked a fundamental shift for the business. Instead of simply replacing leather with a conventional synthetic alternative, the founders turned towards plant-based materials made from agricultural crop waste.

Today, agricultural residue that might otherwise have little economic value is processed into a soft, durable, plant-derived leather alternative and transformed into bags at La Baggio’s Kolkata workshop.

The approach also creates an additional value chain around agricultural waste while allowing the brand to build products without animal hide, chrome tanning or virgin plastic.

The craftsmanship, however, remains firmly rooted in the family’s manufacturing heritage. A team of skilled artisans hand-cuts, stitches and finishes the pieces, combining traditional bag-making expertise with a new generation of materials.

Meet the Merlot Collection

The collection begins with two bags designed for very different moments of the day.

The Merlot Muse is the more structured of the two — a sophisticated daytime handbag designed with enough room for a laptop while retaining a polished silhouette. Created for workdays that move seamlessly into evenings, it balances practicality with understated elegance.

The Merlot Blossom Clutch takes the same deep wine hue into occasion dressing. Floral detailing and La Baggio’s signature tassel give the clutch a more expressive character, making it suited to weddings, dinners and evening celebrations.

Together, the two pieces offer a day-to-night interpretation of the Merlot palette: one functional and structured, the other decorative and statement-led.

“Our goal was never simply to replace leather. We wanted to rethink the entire journey of a product — from the materials we use to the impact it creates. We believe sustainability and luxury can exist together.”

— Nikita Belani, Co-founder, La Baggio

Craft, Conscious Materials and a Growing Indian Label

La Baggio’s approach has earned the brand recognition beyond its own collections.

The label has been recognised by the Indian Leather Products Association, FICCI, India’s MSME Ministry and TiE Kolkata, which selected La Baggio to represent the region at the TiE Global Pitch in Dubai.

Its products are also PETA-approved and cruelty-free.

For La Baggio, the Merlot Collection represents more than a seasonal colour story. It reflects the larger idea on which the brand has been built: that materials once considered waste can be reimagined into products designed to be carried, valued and kept.

The result is a distinctly Indian interpretation of conscious luxury — one where traditional craftsmanship meets material innovation, and where agricultural residue is given an entirely new life.

The Merlot Collection is now available at La Baggio’s official website.

About La Baggio

Founded in 2019 by Bhavna and Nikita Belani, La Baggio is a Kolkata-based, women-owned accessories label creating handbags, totes, sling bags, wallets, laptop bags, clutches and accessories using plant-based leather made from agricultural waste.

The brand grew out of Bhavna Belani’s three decades of experience in conventional leather manufacturing and exports before the family redirected its expertise towards alternative materials.

La Baggio’s collections are produced in small batches at its Kolkata workshop, where skilled artisans cut, stitch and finish the pieces by hand. Its products are PETA-approved and cruelty-free, and the brand serves both direct-to-consumer customers and the corporate and bulk-gifting market.