Newspaper Chic

These chic, eco-friendly handbags have style written all over them.

They’re the handiwork of Connie Carman, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Connie works as a buyer for the gift shop in the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, and she’s also part of a “Green Team” that aims to increase recycling and reduce waste at the venerable Boston hotel. After seeing the piles of newspapers collected from guest rooms for recycling, Connie had an epiphany. Why not use the beautiful images from the fashion pages of the New York Times to make handbags?

The idea spurred a new venture that combines Connie’s love of fashion, concern for the environment and her entrepreneurial spirit. Each one-of-a-kind handbag is made from 100% post-consumer recycled newspaper. We’re featuring two styles, the Clutch model has a flap with a magnetic snap closure, while the Coco bag has clear acrylic or tortoiseshell handles and a magnetic snap closure. Both styles are fun, fashionable, and fodder for a really great conversation.

— Ann