Ittara FAQs

1. What inspired the creation of Ittara?

Ittara was born out of a passion for sustainability and the desire to create luxurious, eco-friendly handbags that are vegan, and cruelty-free. Our goal is to offer products that align with our values of environmental care and ethical production without compromising on style and quality.

2. How does Ittara stay sustainable?

We use carefully sourced, eco-friendly materials like cork, ensuring sustainable production practices from design to packaging. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint by choosing biodegradable and recyclable options wherever possible.

3. Why is cork better?

Cork is a sustainable alternative to traditional leather. It reduces animal cruelty and lowers the environmental impact associated with animal farming and leather production. Cork offers luxury and durability while staying kind to the planet.

4. Why are Ittara Bags Priced Higher?

Ittara bags are priced higher because they are crafted with a commitment to both sustainability and ethical production. Our focus on eco-friendly and animal-free materials ensures that every bag meets the highest standards of quality and longevity. Below, we explain the key factors that contribute to the cost of an Ittara bag:

1.Premium Materials: We use high-quality, sustainable materials like cork, which is carefully sourced and often comes with higher procurement, production, and shipping costs, making it a more expensive option compared to standard synthetics.

2.Cotton Lining: Our bags feature 100% cotton lining, which is naturally more costly than common synthetic alternatives. The choice of cotton ensures breathability and durability, contributing to the overall luxury feel and sustainability of the product.

3. Luxury Hardware: Every Ittara bag is outfitted with premium, eco-friendly reinforcements and metal hardware. These materials are carefully selected for both their durability and their aesthetic appeal, ensuring that each bag maintains its high-end look and feel over time.

4. Handcrafted Bidri Logo: Unlike traditional mass-produced logos, each Ittara bag features a handcrafted Bidri logo. This intricate, artisanal process involves skilled craftsmanship and significantly raises the cost compared to machine-made logos.

5. Handcrafted Process: Each Ittara bag is entirely handcrafted, rather than mass-produced. This meticulous, labour-intensive process requires more time and expertise, which contributes to the higher price. While mass-produced bags may come at a lower cost, the craftsmanship and attention to detail in each Ittara bag ensure a truly unique and luxurious product.

5. Is Ittara considered a slow-fashion brand?

Yes! Ittara is a proud slow fashion brand. We focus on quality, sustainability, and ethical production, creating timeless, functional pieces that stand the test of time rather than chasing fleeting trends. Here's how Ittara embraces slow fashion:

1.Timeless, Durable Design: Each Ittara handbag is designed to be lightweight, versatile, and long-lasting. Our bags are crafted to remain stylish and functional for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

2. Sustainable and Replaceable Components: We use eco-friendly materials, and the straps of our bags are replaceable, offering a sustainable solution that extends the life of your handbag.

3. Ethical Manufacturing: At Ittara, we prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and a mindful approach to consumption. Our bags are handcrafted, supporting a network of artisans, suppliers, and eco-conscious vendors who employ slower, more thoughtful production methods.

4.Supporting Traditional Craftsmanship: Each Ittara bag features a unique Bidri logo, which is entirely handcrafted. This not only highlights an ancient craft but also integrates traditional artistry into modern design, preserving cultural heritage and supporting artisan communities.

6. Why doesn’t Ittara launch new collections frequently?

Ittara doesn’t launch new collections frequently because we believe in creating lasting, high-quality pieces rather than following fast fashion cycles. Each collection is designed to ensure that every product has long-term value. Ittara contributes to reducing environmental impact and promoting a more conscious approach to fashion, where customers can invest in pieces that remain stylish and relevant for years by limiting the frequency of new releases.

7. There are so many ‘vegan’ bags in the market, how is Ittara different?

Many vegan bags on the market are made from synthetic materials, primarily PU (Polyurethane) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). These materials are commonly used as alternatives to leather because they do not involve animal products, making them popular choices for vegan and cruelty-free fashion.

These materials are often seen as affordable alternatives to leather, but they come with notable drawbacks. Both materials are plastic-based, which means they contribute to environmental waste and are not biodegradable. At Ittara, we prioritize the use of sustainable, high-quality materials, ensuring that each piece is crafted to last. By choosing Ittara, you’re investing in luxury that combines style, sustainability, and enduring quality.

8. How long does an Ittara bag last?

Our bags are designed to last for years when cared for properly. The premium cork material we use is durable and resilient, ensuring that your bag stays in great condition even with regular use.

9. Is your packaging eco-friendly?

At Ittara, we believe that sustainability goes beyond the products we create. Our eco-friendly packaging is made from biodegradable material such as cardboard boxes, paper tape, and cotton dustbags, so you can enjoy your purchase knowing it's as kind to the earth as it is stylish.

10. Can I request a custom design or personalization for my bag?

Currently, we do not offer custom designs or personal branding. However, we welcome feedback and are always exploring new ways to expand our products. Each collection is crafted with unique designs that we hope resonate with your personal style.

11. How do you ensure the quality of your products?

We carefully select our materials and partner with artisans and manufacturers who share our commitment to high standards. Each bag goes through strict quality checks to ensure it meets our brand's promise of durability and luxury.

12. How do I take care of my Ittara bag?

We recommend storing the bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for long periods and use the dust bag provided to keep it safe when not in use. Please refer to Cork Care and Bidri Care tips for more information.

Cork Material FAQs

1. Why does Ittara use cork in its products?

We chose cork because it’s an incredibly durable, sustainable, and lightweight material. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is a renewable resource. It aligns with our mission to create eco-friendly, luxurious bags.

2. How does cork compare to other materials in terms of weight?

Cork is extremely lightweight, making it perfect for bags that are stylish yet easy to carry. It offers the durability of heavier materials like leather but without the added bulk, so you can carry your essentials comfortably.

3. Is cork as durable as other materials used in fashion?

Yes! Cork is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It’s naturally water-resistant, making it a great choice for long-lasting fashion accessories.

4. What does cork feel like?

Cork has a soft, smooth texture with a slightly grainy feel, making it not only pleasant to the touch but also uniquely stylish. Despite being lightweight, it provides a sturdy and structured feel that holds its shape beautifully.

5. How do I take care of a cork bag?

Cork is a low-maintenance material. To clean your Ittara cork bag, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. It’s naturally stain-resistant and easy to maintain, so your bag stays in great condition with minimal effort.

6. Is cork vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Cork is 100% vegan. It’s derived from the bark of the cork oak tree without causing harm to the tree itself, making it a cruelty-free and eco-friendly choice for sustainable fashion.

7. Does cork have environmental benefits?

Yes, cork harvesting is an environment-friendly process. It doesn't require cutting down trees, and cork oak trees absorb more CO2 when their bark is harvested. Using cork helps promote biodiversity and supports sustainable forestry practices.

8. Will the cork crack or degrade over time?

Cork is highly flexible and resilient. It doesn’t crack or become brittle over time. With proper care, a cork bag can maintain its beauty and functionality for many years.

Ittara Logo FAQs

1. What is the significance of the Ittara logo?

The Ittara logo is crafted from real silver using the traditional Indian handicraft technique known as Bidri. This art form originates from Bidar, India, and involves intricate inlay work. Our logo reflects not only the beauty of Indian heritage but also our dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

2. What is Bidri?

Bidri is a renowned metal handicraft from India, where pure silver is inlaid into a darker alloy to create striking designs. This ancient art form is known for its elegance, durability, and intricate patterns, making it the perfect choice for Ittara’s luxurious and timeless logo.

3. Why did Ittara choose Bidri for its logo?

We chose Bidri because it embodies the essence of traditional Indian craftsmanship, a key value in Ittara’s brand identity. The silver inlay work gives our logo a luxurious, artisanal touch, connecting our modern designs with India’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Is the Ittara logo handmade?

Each Ittara logo is handcrafted by skilled artisans, using the Bidri technique. This adds a personal, artistic element to every bag, making each piece unique and special.

5. Does the silver in the logo tarnish over time?

Since our logo is made from real silver, it may develop a natural patina over time, which adds to its charm. However, with proper care, the silver inlay will maintain its shine. We recommend gently cleaning the logo with a soft cloth to preserve its brilliance.

6. How does the Bidri logo represent Ittara’s values?

The Bidri logo symbolizes our commitment to combining luxury with sustainability and cultural heritage. By using traditional craftsmanship methods, we ensure that each Ittara bag carries a piece of history, blending timeless beauty with contemporary fashion.

Returns & Exchange FAQs

1. What is Ittara’s return and exchange policy?

All purchases made on Ittarabags.com are eligible for return or exchange within 7 days of delivery. Please visit our Return and Exchange Policy to know more.

Shipping & Delivery

1. Where does Ittara ship?

We ship worldwide! Shipping fees for each country will be calculated at checkout. The buyer will be responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees applicable in their destination country. To know more about international shipping, please visit the Shipping & Delivery Page.

2. How long does shipping take?

Orders are shipped within 5–7 business days from the date of payment confirmation.

3. How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is free to most locations in India. However, for certain areas, the shipping cost is applicable and is calculated at checkout. Please visit the Shipping & Delivery Page to know more.

4. Can I track my order?

Yes! Once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email, SMS, or both. You can use this tracking number to follow the progress of your delivery.

5. What should I do if my order doesn’t arrive?

If your order hasn’t arrived within the expected delivery window, please contact our customer support team. We will investigate the issue with the courier and ensure that your order is delivered as quickly as possible.

Warranty

1. Does Ittara provide a warranty?

Yes, we provide a 1 Year Limited Warranty. Please visit our Warranty Policy on the About Page to know more.