Is Cesta Collective exploiting Rwandan culture?

Meghan Markle recently made headlines for her involvement as a minority stakeholder in the handbag brand, Cesta Collective. The brand has faced criticism online due to insensitive campaign imagery and a potentially problematic company ethos.

Cesta Collective is an American handbag brand that prides itself on utilizing baskets woven by craftswomen in Rwanda, which are then adapted in Italy and sold for prices ranging between $490 and $890. Co-founded by fashion industrialists Erin Ryder and Courtney Fasciano, the brand claims to be “dedicated to collaborating with talented female artisans” and upholding “unwavering ethical standards and fair compensation practices.”

According to the brand’s website, the “Cesta baskets” are handwoven of locally sourced, renewable resources by talented female artisans in Rwanda, Africa, whom they claim to pay 500-700% times the national average salary of Rwanda. However, despite these claims, the company has come under fire for its campaign imagery and overall company ethos.

In a 2018 interview with Vogue, Fasciano discussed the challenges Cesta faces in production as each piece is handmade. She mentioned, “For us, it’s pretty simple. These are baskets that are part of the national heritage of Rwanda, and most women know how to make it, so any time we get a big order, we call Africa and we hire another village.”

Markle’s investment sparks controversy

The brand’s online backlash includes accusations of “cynically” using their fair-wage ethos and Rwandan art and for being ‘poverty porn’. This criticism has raised concerns about the authenticity of the brand’s commitment to ethical practices and fair compensation for the artisans involved.

In light of these criticisms, it is crucial for Cesta Collective to address the concerns and provide transparent information regarding their production processes and the treatment of the artisans involved. This would not only help in rebuilding trust with their audience but also ensure that their commitment to ethical practices is genuinely reflected in their operations.

The controversy surrounding Cesta Collective serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and transparency in the fashion industry, particularly when it comes to brands that claim to uphold ethical standards.