At Bueno, we believe that a handbag is more than just a fashion accessory – it’s an extension of your personal style and a reflection of who you are. That’s why we put so much care into designing bags that are both beautiful and functional.
Our Story
The Bueno story begins in 1975, when our founder Sarah Bueno decided to follow her passion and launch her own handbag company. As a young girl, Sarah would often accompany her seamstress grandmother to local fabric shops. She quickly fell in love with textures, colors, and the limitless possibilities of creating something unique.
After studying fashion design in college, Sarah began creating handbag prototypes in her small Brooklyn studio apartment. Her goal was to design bags that were inspired by the latest runway trends, yet affordable and accessible to the everyday woman.
The first Bueno collection debuted at a local boutique and was an instant success. Sarah steadily grew the business by listening to customer feedback and ensuring that each new design had a purpose. Her insistence on using high-quality materials and hardware ensured that every Bueno bag could withstand daily use.
Over the decades, the Bueno brand expanded nationally into major department stores while still retaining its small company spirit. Sarah’s daughter Emily eventually joined the family business and infused it with a fresh, youthful perspective. Today, Bueno continues to be a family-owned and women-led company based in New York City.
While trends come and go, our dedication to beautiful design, premium materials, and attention to detail has stood the test of time.
Design Philosophy
Bueno’s design philosophy is centered around creating bags that are both fashionable and functional for the modern woman on the move. We draw inspiration from the latest runway and street style trends, then put our own spin on them to design bags that transition seamlessly from day to night.
Every Bueno style features thoughtful details that solve common handbag headaches. Our bags have clever organizational compartments, padded straps, and hardware that can withstand everyday use. We use luxe leathers, canvas, nylon, and vegan materials in a range of on-trend colors.
No matter your personal style or budget, you can find a Bueno bag that speaks to you. Our collections offer everything from sleek satchels and totes for work, to weekend-ready hobos and crossbody bags. Each new season brings fresh silhouettes and styles while still maintaining our signature look and feel.
We believe the details matter. That’s why every Bueno bag features custom-designed hardware, premium metal zippers, and expert stitching you can feel. Our designers sketch hundreds of options before finalizing each new collection. We continually refine our classics to make them even better, season after season.
Our Values
At Bueno, we strive to operate our business according to a core set of values:
- Quality: Our number one priority is using premium materials and workmanship so our bags look beautiful and perform flawlessly for years. We source luxe leathers, sturdy canvas, chic nylon, and vegan materials that can withstand daily use.
- Value: Every Bueno bag is meticulously designed to be both fashionable and affordable. Our prices reflect our commitment to offering designer details and premium quality at an accessible price point.
- Innovation: We are passionate about staying on the leading edge of handbag trends. Our in-house design team is always developing fresh silhouettes, stylish details, and new ways to make our bags more functional.
- Sustainability: From our materials to our operations, we strive to make socially and environmentally conscious decisions. We use some recycled materials and aim to reduce waste throughout our production process and supply chain.
- Ethics: Our bags are designed in New York City and crafted overseas in factories that meet our ethical standards. We partner with manufacturers that offer fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Customer Service: We stand behind our products 100% and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service. Our helpful customer experience team is available via phone, email, online chat, and social media.
Our Process
Creating a Bueno bag is a meticulous process that combines passion, precision, and patience.
- Inspiration: Our New York-based design team attends handbag tradeshows and runway shows to identify the latest trends. We also find inspiration on city streets, social media, and by listening to our customers.
- Sketching: Next, our designers sketch hundreds of potential bags featuring fresh silhouettes, details, hardware treatments, and materials. We refine the finalists before moving to the prototyping phase.
- Prototyping: Our sample makers turn sketches into physical samples. We carefully examine the proportions, functionality, materials, and hardware on each prototype.
- Evaluation: The Bueno team reviews prototypes together and provides feedback. We make adjustments until each bag meets our standards for quality, comfort, and style.
- Production: Once finalized, we partner with reputable factories oversees to produce each bag style. Our team works closely with each factory to ensure components and assembly meet our specifications.
- Quality Control: We have rigorous quality control standards each factory must adhere to. Random batches are thoroughly examined at multiple steps of production to maintain our high standards.
- Distribution: From our warehouses in the US, bags are distributed to our nationwide network of retail partners and direct to consumers through our website.
- Customer Feedback: We carefully listen to customer comments, reviews, and suggestions. This valuable feedback helps shape future collections and styles.
Our Materials
At Bueno, we thoughtfully select materials that are durable, easy to care for, and align with our brand values:
Leathers
From supple pebbled leather to distressed suede, we offer a wide selection of leather and faux leather options. Our skilled artisans give each skin a finished look that reflects its natural beauty. We use responsible tanneries and aim to reduce leather waste.
Canvas
Crisp canvas paired with leather trim gives our bags a casual, weekend-ready vibe. We use durable cotton canvas with a coated backing to keep contents protected from moisture. Our canvas is ethically sourced and made to withstand daily use.
Nylon
Lightweight yet sturdy nylon fabric allows us to design bags that are both packable and practical. Our vegan nylon has a subtle sheen and comes in a rainbow of colors. It’s also easy to keep clean by simply wiping down.
Vegan Materials
To cater to our vegan customers, we offer stylish bags made of vegan leather, cork, straw, recycled plastic, and other animal-free materials. These sustainable options offer the look of leather with an ethical approach.
Hardware
Every Bueno bag features custom-designed hardware in finishes like antique brass, shiny gold, and gunmetal. We use sturdy metal zippers, feet, grommets, rings, and signature logo plates. Our hardware undergoes testing to ensure long-lasting wear.
Lining
The inside of each bag reveals a signature Bueno logo lining. These linings are made from cotton, polyester, or nylon to keep belongings secure. We select vibrant colors and prints that match the exterior material.
Social Responsibility
As a company, we aim to have a positive social and environmental impact beyond our handbags.
###Materials Sourcing
We partner with leather suppliers and tanneries that share our values around responsible sourcing. This includes using recycled materials when possible and reducing hazardous chemicals. We also work with vendors that ethically source cotton, nylon, and other fabrics.
Manufacturing Partners
Our overseas factories must meet our social compliance standards, which include: safe working conditions, reasonable hours and wages, and no child or forced labor. We regularly audit partners to ensure standards are upheld.
Environment
From our offices to our supply chain, we strive to reduce waste and use resources responsibly. This includes recycling, conserving energy and water, and using greener shipping practices. We also design bags to last, avoiding excess waste.
Community
Giving back to our communities is important to us. We support various charities and causes, including women’s foundations and youth arts programs. Employees can use paid volunteer days to support local nonprofits.
Inclusion
Bueno proudly employs a diverse workforce and fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment. We believe diversity of backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our brand and enables us to better serve our customers.
While we still have work to do, improving our social and environmental footprint remains a key priority. We believe small, mindful steps collectively make a difference.
Our Brand
The Bueno brand promises stylish handbags that fuse fashion and function. Our trademark look is both classic and modern. Here are some key brand pillars:
Style
Our versatile bags embody a casually chic lifestyle. We design silhouettes in luxe materials like Italian leather, canvas, nylon, and vegan leather to suit the modern woman’s needs. Our styles transition effortlessly from weekday errands to weekend getaways.
Quality
From our custom hardware to expert stitching, our attention to detail and craftsmanship is second to none. We use premium materials and reinforced stress points so each bag ages beautifully. Our quality control ensures consistency across productions.
Color
A vibrant, saturated color palette defines our collections. From pretty pastels to bold brights, our rich hues pop against timeless neutrals like black and tan. Custom printed linings add a stylish touch.
Details
We design purposeful details that solve common handbag headaches. Our bags feature plenty of interior and exterior compartments to stay organized. Padded straps, sturdy feet, and lightweight hardware provide comfort and durability.
Value
Bueno bags offer designer details at attainable prices. We cut wholesale costs by selling direct-to-consumer online. Our outlet bags allow us to pass significant savings down to the customer.
Versatility
Our timeless silhouettes offer versatility across styles, seasons, and occasions. Backpacks, totes, crossbodies, hobos – we design bags to fit your lifestyle. Bold colors feel current, while neutrals effortlessly pair with your entire wardrobe.
Accessibility
You can shop Bueno nationwide at major retailers or direct online 24/7. We offer an extensive selection of bags in sizes and prices to suit every body and budget. Bueno aims to make designer quality accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on our next chapter, the entire Bueno team remains passionate about bringing joy to our customers through beautiful, functional bags. We’ll continue listening to your feedback to improve every day.
Some goals for the future include:
- Expanding our sustainable material offerings
- Reducing waste across our supply chain
- Launching fresh silhouettes and styles
- Improving representation and inclusion
- Giving back to more causes and communities
- Forming partnerships with creative, mission-driven brands
- Investing in our employees’ growth and wellbeing
We founded Bueno believing that the right handbag could make any day brighter. It’s a philosophy we still wholeheartedly embrace today. Our hope is that you feel confident, stylish, and equipped to take on the world with a Bueno bag on your shoulder.
Here’s to many more decades of spreading happiness through fashion and function, one thoughtfully designed bag at a time. We sincerely thank you for being part of the Bueno family.