The Sera Bag: A Journey from Concept to My SUSTAINABLE WEDDING STYLE
I am absolutely thrilled to share the amazing story of the Sera Bag—a creation that holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a bag; it's a true labor of love and a testament to my unwavering commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Let me take you on a journey through my wedding weekend, where the Sera Bag became an irreplaceable part of the magic.
From the very beginning, I had a vision of blending exquisite Italian luxury with sustainable practices. The Sera Bag was born out of a year-long collaboration with incredibly talented artisans right here in Tuscany. Inspired by completely hand knotted macrame and vintage 20’s style beaded Italian evening bags, the Sera Bag came to life—a unique blend of handweaving, macrame, and carefully sourced leather “waste”.
The excitement began with our civil ceremony at the majestic Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. I choose the Sera Bag in both panna and celeste because I couldn’t decide which I loved more! They both perfectly complemented my bridal ensemble, adding that touch of sustainable statement style that Sieme is all about!
In addition to the Sera Bag, my entire bridal style was a curated mix of sustainable choices, independent designers and upcycled pieces. If you have been following me you know that I believe your closet is an investment meant to show the world who you are before you even open your mouth. I couldn’t in good faith throw all of my beliefs out and be influenced into buying a wardrobe full of pure white bridal looks I would wear for one weekend only (no matter how much my instagram feed enticed me otherwise).
Instead, I embraced investment pieces, upcycled my sister's veil with added feathers, and mixing heirloom jewelry from my bubbie, great grandmother and my favorite designer of the moment. I also supported independent boutiques and artisans for the other accessories. Each element held meaning, reflecting my values and creating a truly unforgettable first wedding day. Plus I will wear them ALL again and already have!
My mother also wore the Sera bag in olive proving that this gorgeous Tuscan hue can be worn all year long as a neutral but statement accessory!
Next up was the welcome party at the elegant Palazzo San Niccolo. Surrounded by our closest friends and family, the evening was filled with acoustic versions of our favorite rock and blues music, and our favorite apertivo delights. To match the vibrant ambiance, I opted for the Sera Bag in Coral. It made the perfect statement accessory paired with my acid green dress from Cult Gaia (a favorite brand at the moment). And of course this was another opportunity to invest in a fabulous gown (not in white) that I will be able to wear for years to come!
The pinnacle of our wedding celebrations took place at Castello Palagio, a thousand-year-old Tuscan castle brimming with history and romance. For this day I chose the Sera Bag in optic white (a color you can custom order!) For me, carrying this bag evokes a profound connection to the heritage and culture of this remarkable region I now call home. Plus it made a great fashion statement!
Here again, I embraced artisan and sustainable style. My wedding dress was purchased from my favorite eveningwear designer. At my first job I New York as I sprinted down Madison avenue for Dennis Basso, I would stop at the windows of Elie Saab and marvel at the maximalist embroideries. This dress was dubbed “the anti-bride” by the sales team and to this day I am the only one who has purchased it. I hope to rewear it to a fabulous gala in the future! My headpiece was made from an artisan I found on instagram in Ghana, Africa and the blusher veil was hand crafted by me (have you seen what veils cost these days??) A mix of heirloom and artisan jewelry completed the look!
My mother wore the Sera Bag in gold, the perfect statement to her custom made ensemble by a talented designer in Philadelphia. Where do you think I got my love of unique sustainable style and “investment wardrobe” ??
I wanted to make our celebration unique, so instead of traditional bridesmaids and bouquets, I empowered my best girlfriends who traveled across the world to be with me! They rocked the Sera Bag in different colors, reflecting their individual styles and personalities. It was a beautiful tribute to friendship and a statement of commitment to sustainable fashion. Seeing all of them carry their Sera Bags will be a memory I will cherish forever! (this will probably always be my favorite impromptu photo shoot!)
And of course this commitment to sustainability continued throughout our wedding decor. We had a no plastic rule (unless it could be used again at a later date) which prompted some clever alternatives like our fabric seating chart made from dead-stock fabrics or all the signage printed on paper, all not possible without the help of my talented best friend’s signage company by Mia and Co. We used mostly dried flowers that could be repurposed and opted instead for making a statement with dozens of candles adorning each table. (rented from the florist) My personal favorite touch were the vintage inspired lampshades made by artisans here in Italy.
And while the weather could have been better, prompting a much needed tent rather than the beautiful courtyard under the Tuscan sky we had imagined, the most important part of all is that we were able share and celebrate our love with ALL of our family and friends. And do it in fabulous style.
The Sera Bag was not just a wedding accessory; for me, it's a show of sustainability and love more than one year in the making. It represents my incredible collaborations with local artisans in Tuscany and the possibility of turning “trash” into beautiful luxury fashion. These are the reasons I started Sieme. As we continue this journey together, my hope is that each Sera Bag becomes a cherished piece of wearable art, embodying the essence of conscious living.
To all the eco and style aficionados out there, I invite you to join me in embracing sustainable fashion, exploring our journey, and celebrating the love, beauty, and timeless charm of artisan made sustainable style.
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Cassandra, founder + Designer
