Every Chila bag is a one-of-a-kind treasure. No two bags are exactly the same, with bright colours and intricate patterns that make each piece truly special. The stories and symbols woven into every design add a magical quality that transforms these bags into more than just accessories – they're pieces of living history, created using techniques passed down through generations.
Sustainability and ethical production are at the heart of everything Chila does. By working directly with the artisan women who create each bag, the brand ensures fair wages and proper compensation. Traditional handcrafting methods have minimal environmental impact, whilst supporting the preservation of indigenous culture and sustainable livelihoods. Each bag is made to last for years, standing firmly against fast fashion culture. With a made-to-order approach, nothing goes to waste, making every purchase a conscious choice for the planet.
The craftsmanship behind every Chila bag is extraordinary. Each piece is entirely handmade, with small bags taking 3-5 days to complete and larger styles requiring up to 15 days of dedicated work. What makes this even more remarkable is that the artisans don't use patterns – they create each design from memory, drawing on cultural knowledge passed down from their grandmothers. Every bag represents between 50 and 80 hours of skilled labour.
Chila directly empowers over 170 women in rural Colombia, providing them with a sustainable income to support their families. As a woman-owned and woman-run company, Chila gives women in remote villages economic independence and the means to pay for their children's education and healthcare. Every bag purchased makes a tangible difference in these women's lives.
The making of each bag is a careful, deliberate process. Artisans begin by selecting strong, colourful thread sourced from Colombian manufacturers. Designs are created entirely from memory and cultural knowledge, without written patterns. Using a special crochet hook, they work stitch by stitch in continuous spirals. The base, sides, and straps are expertly joined using traditional methods, and each finished bag undergoes thorough final checks to ensure perfection.
The collection features two distinctive styles to suit different needs. The Baguette Bag is small yet surprisingly spacious, perfectly fitting your phone, card holder, makeup essentials, and small personal items. It's the first-ever Wayuu interpretation of the iconic baguette silhouette, offering an on-trend style with versatile wearing options. The Shopper Bag offers large capacity for daily essentials, with a sturdy base and reinforced handles built for everyday durability. Its classic tote silhouette showcases beautiful Wayuu patterns whilst providing comfortable shoulder carry, making it an ethical alternative to mass-produced totes.
Both styles feature Chila's innovative signature 130cm removable cord strap, designed to give you complete control over how you wear your bag. Wear it at full length across your chest and back for hands-free convenience whilst shopping or exploring. Loop it to create a shorter double strap that sits elegantly on one shoulder for a more formal, dressed-up look perfect for dinners and special events. Tie knots to customise the length precisely to your preference whilst adding visual interest. Or remove the strap entirely to carry the Baguette as a chic clutch or hold the Shopper by its top handle.
To keep your Chila bag beautiful for years to come, always store it in the provided linen dust bag when not in use. Keep it away from sharp objects that could snag the delicate crochet work, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent colour fading. For light cleaning, simply use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away surface dirt, then allow it to air dry completely before storing. When deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash only in cold water using mild, gentle detergent. Gently squeeze the bag – never wring or twist – then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Reshape whilst damp and lay flat to dry. Never use bleach, fabric softener, harsh chemicals, or machine washing, and never tumble dry. Remember that each bag is a piece of art deserving careful treatment. The handcrafted nature means slight variations are normal and part of its unique beauty. With proper care, your Chila bag will remain a cherished companion for many years.
