IN CONVERSATION WITH CUBALAB AND AMANDA ROSS
A story of sustainability, artisanal craftsmanship and social impact for our latest collaboration.
Established in collaboration with Artesania and the Leather Laboratory of the San Patrignano community, CubaLab is a sustainable brand initiative dedicated to fostering professional growth in local communities. Each of their bags is handmade by local artisans using natural, upcycled materials and high-quality leather. In 2020, CubaLab partnered with Amanda Ross, a former fashion director and stylist, and creator of ARossGirl in New York. Together, they created the "Habanera ARossGirl" collection, which quickly became an international success.
We spoke to CubaLab’s Maria Angelica and project ambassador Amanda Ross to discuss the preservation of craft and their favourite pieces from the new collection.
What is your involvement in CubaLab and this collaboration?
A: ARossGirl began collaborating with CubaLab in late 2020, bringing a glamorous and sophisticated touch to their Habanera. Initially drawn to their purpose-driven mission supporting the girls at San Patrignano, our collaboration quickly evolved beyond a limited-edition project. Four years later, Tierney Horne, a friend of mine, admired our work and saw alignment with the Bamford aesthetic and commitment to social impact. We were fortunate to connect Cubalab x ARossGirl with Bamford, two ethically minded and sustainable brands.
What was the inspiration behind the original ARossGirl collection?
A: Audrey Hepburn was a significant influence, embodying a timeless elegance that transcends through our designs. Our approach was to take classic bag shapes and elevate them through colour, design, and the use of fabric discards, transforming them into something fresh and contemporary while maintaining their timeless appeal. We also played with sizing variations on the original basket design to add versatility.
How does this collaboration make you feel?
M: Witnessing individuals who have endured a particularly challenging path rediscover their purpose and sense of dignity through work is an indescribable feeling. It’s something you can only perceive through the emotion and gratitude visible in their eyes.
A: I feel so proud to be part of a project that gives back. Creating something that people love, hand-made by the girls at San Patrignano fills my heart.
What elements of craft bring this collection to life?
M: CubaLab was born in the heart of Old Havana, driven by a desire to restore its former splendour. In the past, leather pieces crafted by local artisans enjoyed international acclaim – CubaLab aims to revive that legacy through the artistry of leather craftsmanship in a contemporary and stylish way, as shown throughout the pieces in this collection in partnership with Bamford.
Why is craft so important to CubaLab?
M: Handmade and traditional crafts should serve as the fundamental starting point when designing products that carry deeper meaning and worth. Every single CubaLab bag is accompanied by a certificate of originality, personally signed by hand by the skilled artisans in the workshop who contributed to its creation.
What is your favourite bag from the collection, and why?
A: The bucket. I have always been in love with a bucket bag.
M: I love all of them, but my favourite would have to be the Habanera Tote Bag in white marble with the bee printed lining – I love honey and I think bees are brilliant!
What is your favourite way to style your CubaLab Bag?
A: Me and my Habaneras are inseparable. They’re so versatile to style. I wear mine in the evenings, to weddings, to the city for lunches, casually to the beach and always for travel.
Shop the full CubaLab X Bamford collection