Helen E Riegle - HER Design

Helen E Riegle
Designer & Principal, HER Design
Biography
Helen E. Riegle is designer and principal of HER Design, which makes chic and sustainable handbags and accessories,
each inspired by nature. After nearly two years in concept and development, Helen launched her first collection in 2004
with a clear goal: to promote greener living that embraces style. Helen is not your typical bag lady. Faced with limited
options that suited her tastes and needs, Helen carried few handbags... until she fashioned her own.
Deciding to start an ethical business that features eco-friendly and cruelty-free collections was less an epiphany than the
crossroads of her experiences and values. Helen grew up in the south of England. While she cites the pre-Raphaelites,
William Morris, and Owen Jones as having influenced her sensibility to nature and its beauty, she was also influenced by
her mother’s work as a floral designer, and by her brother, who expertly sketched landscapes and flora and is today a
renowned wildlife filmmaker in Britain.
Helen studied graphic design in Preston and then forged a career as a designer and creative director with various agencies
in England and the U.S. Through diverse international project work, most notably for museums, zoos, and aquariums, she
gained a deeper understanding of natural history and the living
world. From her travels—at times with a briefcase, at times with
a backpack—she gleaned new insights into the world we share.
With her eyes wide open to the possibility of celebrating nature
and making a difference through what we do, Helen resolved to
do something truly original and unconventional and to do it
responsibly. The culmination of these goals is making bags for
people who want to both look good and feel good through
what they carry.
Each day, Helen seeks to narrow the gap between her actions
and her aspirations. As a working mother, she understands
that children add to the challenge of doing better. But they also
fuel her inspiration. Outside the design studio, Helen can be
found—New England weather permitting—on walks or at the
beach. She lives in Marblehead, Mass., with Oliver, Genevieve,
and Christopher, her husband and business partner.

About HER Design
Challenge conventions. Live responsibly. Embrace style.
Our goal is to distinguish green from granola—to produce beautiful products that are stylish, functional, and eco-friendly
Background
Since we started doing business in 2004, we have been producing unique, contemporary handbags and laptop bags
made from sustainable materials.
Core campaigns
“Can a handbag save the world?” / “Great bags for a good reason” / “Honor nature and your inner princess”
As customers reflect on what makes our high-style, responsibly made handbags different to conventional ones,
the handbag becomes the gateway for more meaningful change.
Innovation
We love using novel materials and have most recently incorporated into our designs microsuede and woven polyester,
both made from 100% recycled content; Cradle to Cradle certified wool flannel; and recycled PET lining, which is made
from post-consumer soda bottles. We have also featured Treetap “wild rubber,” a sustainably made,fair-trade product
from the Amazon, as a leather substitute.
Manufacturing
We manufacture in small or family-run factories that maintain high standards for their workers and conform
to fair labor practices. The majority of the collection is made in Costa Rica. We also use factories
in Massachusetts.
Giving
The effects of human activities know no geographic boundaries. The natural resources we
consume come from all over, and the pollution we generate circulates with the wind and
water. For this reason, we seek to support causes on all seven continents in the areas of
environmental protection and awareness, animal welfare, and improving children’s lives.
We commit two percent of gross sales to these causes, and contribute numerous bags
to fundraising events across the country. Among the organizations we have supported are
local activists (HealthLink), groups with national influence (Sierra Club), and global relief
organizations (UNICEF).
We are a proud member of Co-op America’s Business Network.

What they’re saying about us: our customers
“The bags are FANTASTIC! I love them – not only for their fabulous design and attention to detail but also the
environmental care that accompanies them. You are doing a great thing and people have already taken notice.”
– Shop, Charlestown RI
“I just purchased your ‘Leaf’ computer bag and wanted to tell you how wonderful it is! This may be the first time I have
taken time to send a note to praise a product.” – LF, Burlington VT
“I just wanted to tell you how simple and beautiful I think your bags are. Stunning.” – TW, Atlanta GA
“Thanks to Helen for offering such beautiful, unique, and inspiring purses.” – AM, Pasadena CA
“My new HER Design bag is just perfect! I never miss an opportunity to tell my friends what an eco- and socially friendly
product it is.” – EC, New York NY
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your dedication towards changing the environment and making your vision
a reality.” – LN, Los Angeles CA
“I want a vegan handbag and have been searching all over. These are really the best looking bags I've found…. Thanks
for producing great products that respect the environment and animals!” – SP, Abilene TX
“Thanks for your integrity - it just gets stronger and stronger, and I can truly appreciate your honest efforts to build an
ethically superior business.” – Shop, Portland OR
“My laptop bag is absolutely fabulous! I know everyone will be asking me where I got it. It's so refreshingly different.”
– LB, Vancouver BC
“I look forward to carrying the first bag that fits the rest of my lifestyle but doesn't look frumpy.” – LP, Gig Harbor WA
HER Design LLC 114 Washington Street, Marblehead MA 01945 t:781 631 1491 f:781 658 2618

In The Media
Feb 8 2008 The Green Set – “It’s H.E.R. Time” (WEB)
Feb 3 2008 Trendinista – “Handbags: Always Look on the Bright Side” (WEB)
Jan 29 2008 Environmental News Network – “Giving: It’s the New Getting at Sundance” (WEB)
Dec 14 2007 Handbags.com – “Meet Helen E Riegle: Eco-Friendly Handbags!” (WEB)
Dec 13 2007 Green Living Online – “12 Days of Green Shopping: Fashion Accessories” (WEB)
Dec 2007 Gaiam Community – “Green Gifts for the Eco-Chick” (WEB)
Nov 7 2007 Green Fashion and Beauty – “Celeb-Worthy Environmentalist Handbags” (WEB)
Sep 20 2007 Chic by Nature – “Helen E Riegle’s Fall Collection” (WEB)
Sep 19 2007 Treehugger.com – “Fall 07: HER Design” (WEB)
Sep 18 2007 Ethical Fashionista – “Exquisite Bags for Ethical Beauties” (WEB)
Sep 14 2007 iVillage (Going Green’s Blog) – “Can a Handbag Save the World?” (WEB)
Jul 31 2007 Ideal Bite – “Need an Attractive Escort for Your Next Party?” (WEB)
Jun 6 2007 Boston Herald – “Fashion Conscience” (PRINT)
Jun 2007 iVillage (iGo Green) – “Stuff We Love” (WEB)
Spr/Sum 2007 Northshore Magazine – “Scene” (PRINT)
Apr 12, 2007 Marblehead Reporter – “Green Designs Good As Gold” (PRINT)
Apr 2007 Natural Health – “Weather the Storm” (PRINT)
Mar 13 2007 OrganicAuthority.com – “An Oscar Green Suite” (WEB)
Jan 2007 Blush Magazine – “Eco Chic” (PRINT)
Dec/Jan 2007 Natural Health – “Truly Gifted: For the World Traveler” (PRINT)
Dec 14, 2006 Ideal Bite – “Ideal Green Gifts: HER Design ‘Techtonic’ Work Bag” (WEB)
Dec 1, 2006 Treehugger.com – “HER Design Incorporates Cradle-to-Cradle Wool in Fashion Accessories” (WEB)
Nov/Dec 2006 The Green Guide – “Top Product Picks: Stocking Stuffers (‘Eco Geeko’)” (PRINT)
Sep/Oct 2006 KIWI – “Fashionable, Functional, Eco-Friendly Finds” (PRINT)
Sum/Fall 2006 Northshore Magazine – “Style is in the Bag” (PRINT)
Sep 1, 2006 The Green Guide – “Seasonless Green Fashion” (PRINT)
Aug 7, 2006 SheFinds.com – “Today’s Finds – Eco-Chic: HER Design Bags” (WEB)
Jun 30, 2006 FOX25 Morning News – “Zip Trip: Marblehead” (TV)
HER Design LLC 114 Washington Street, Marblehead MA 01945 t:781 631 1491 f:781 658 2618

What they’re saying about us: the press
“Bold shapes, bright colors, and hip detailing are drawing celebrities like Helen Mirren – the Queen
herself – to these ‘green’ purses.”
– Gaiam Community, Dec 07
“Going green and being fashion forward are becoming one. The ‘Lily’ handbag would be the perfect everyday
bag for the ‘down to earth’ woman!”
– Handbags.com, Dec 07
“With so many handbags made from leather, fur accents, scales and skin, purses may not be a traditional
example of eco-friendly style, but designer Helen E. Riegle is changing the fashion world one tote at a time.”
– Blush Magazine, Jan 07
“Want to be eco and elegant? You can be both with handbags from HER Design.”
– KIWI magazine, Sep-Oct 06
“Love to be eco-chic but don’t necessarily want accessories that scream Eco-Conscious? I love my bags made
from billboard vinyl and candy wrappers, but sometimes I just want a purse that looks good. When I found
HER Design I got my wish.” – SheFinds, 8/7/06
“We are all huge fans. Chic and made from organic cotton canvas and tree-tapped wild rubber that is
like the softest leather.” – Ideal Bite, 6/9/06
“These bags have very clean lines and smart details.” – The Green Shopper, 2/23/06
“Helen Riegle’s eco- and animal-friendly handbags are really too shockingly hip to pass up.”
– The Humane Society blog: Fashion Week, 2/9/06
HER Design LLC 114 Washington Street, Marblehead MA 01945 t:781 631 1491 f:781 658 2618

Select retailers of Helen E Riegle fashion accessories
CA
All Shades of Green – Los Angeles
Beauty & Wisdom – Santa Monica
greenROHINI – Sherman Oaks
CO
Dwell On – Basalt
Kenai Shoes – Breckenridge
FL
Exit Art – Longboat Key
Juno & Jove – Sarasota
Magnolia – Tampa
ME
Terracotta Stylish Stuff – Ellsworth
Heart to Heart – Houlton
The Kimball Shop – Northeast Harbor
MA
Artwear – Arlington
Envi – Boston
Greenward – Cambridge
The Store @ DeCordova – Lincoln
She – Marblehead
Red Mannequin – Oak Bluffs
Adlumia – Orleans
MN
Birch Clothing – Minneapolis
NY
Richard Oliver House – Bedford Village
Cow Jones Industrials – Chatham
Subdivision Boutique – Long Island City
OH
Park + Vine – Cincinnati
OR
Greenloop – Portland
RI
Mills Creek Natural Market – Charlestown
TN
Gild the Lily – Memphis
TX
Wildflower Organics – Austin
VT
Danform Shoes – Colchester
VA
Elsie Garden – Charlottesville
Green Alternatives – Norfolk
Alchemy – Richmond
WI
A. Boutique – Appleton
Next Door – Brookfield
A Stone’s Throw – Madison
CANADA
Riva’s the Eco Store – Calgary
UNITED KINGDOM
The Square Peg – Lochgilphead
ONLINE SHOPS
www.careerbags.com
www.cocosshoppe.com
www.eBags.com
www.eConsciousMarket.com
www.poshorganic.com
www.recycledthreads.com
www.thegreenloop.com
www.eco-handbags.ca (CAN)
www.thenaturalstore.co.uk (UK)
HER Design LLC 114 Washington Street, Marblehead MA 01945 t:781 631 1491 f:781 658 2618