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WHY ARE AV BAGS UNIQUE?

We are designer bags for the modern trailblazer.

Made from premium cactus skins, exclusively molded into signature fabric, our bags are the latest plant-based alternative to plastic and animal leather. We source plant skins from the Nopal Cactus Plant found in Mexico because they offer the most resilient yet soft touch for everyday bags.

We integrated this luxurious bio leather into our signature custom molding process that re-imagines a distinct and authentic designer textile.

"From me to you...Our bags do not compromise style or the environment. You can feel confident that you're not just carrying a bag, but a mindset that your style and values can co-exist." ~andrea valentini

Take me with you ! I'm Cactus Leather

It all started from the ground up!

Hi, I'm Andrea Valentini, female founder, artist, designer, inventor and vegan enthusiast with an appetite for travel, healthy living and spontaneity. Over the past 20 years, I've been experimenting with advanced material innovations to develop sustainably conscious textiles for my brand; AV Bags and Home Furnishings.
My latest textile is a vegan alternative that is free of solvents, petroleum and rubber. It's a plant based derivative from the skins of plant leafs which are processed into a formula referred to as a bio leather. While there are many plant based bio leathers available to consider, I discovered the Nopal Cactus Plant, found in Mexico to be the most resilient, luxurious and softest option to work with in my molding process.
If you are inspired by the environment, don't compromise it with toxic chemicals, off gases or cruelty toward animals, protect it by giving back.
"Take Me With You!... I'm Cactus Leather"
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FROM PLANT~ TO FABRIC~ TO BAG ~TO YOU!

  • STEP 1

    CUTTING THE SKINS FROM NOPAL CACTUS PADS

  • STEP 2

    CRUSHING THEM INTO A POWDERY MIXTURE FOR A DERIVED FORMULA

  • STEP 3

    FORMULA POURING AND LEVELING ONTO BACKING OF RECYCLED POLY/COTTON FABRIC

  • STEP 4

    FINISHED MATERIAL IS THEN GAUGED FOR CONSISTENCY AND PERFECTION

  • STEP 5

    BIO LEATHER IS THEN CUT INTO SHEETS AND PLACED IN AV DESIGNER MOLD FOR FINISHED MATERIAL.
    WATCH VIDEO 

  • STEP 6

    INTERIOR NYLON LINING AND HARDWARE IS CUSTOMIZED.

  • STEP 7

    CUTTING PROCESS, STITCHING AND ASSEMBLING.

  • STEP 8

    CUSTOM DRAWSTRING BAG WITH AV GIFT BOX INCLUDED WITH YOUR FINISHED BAG DELIVERED TO YOU.

JUST SO YOU KNOW!

  • female founded

    Like mother earth we are all inspired by nature. I am proud to say that we are completely female founded and proud to support women entrepreneurs and independent owned brands.

  • 100% cruelty free

    We care about the environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Cruelty free Cactus plant-based leather is an ecological alternative which doesn't require toxins for tanning and takes up less natural land and water.

  • money back guarantee

    Receive a full refund within 30 days of purchase date. Receive replacement from any damaged item within 90 days.

  • free shipping

    We offer Free Shipping on all purchases over $200.

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FAQ

MATERIAL INFORMATION

What is Cactus Leather?

Cactus Leather is the latest innovation in sustainable fashion that comes from the leaves of Nopal Cactus Plants. Nopal Cactus grows abundantly in Mexico without needing any water. The properties of the nopal cactus plant are an organic and partially biodegradable solution to the plastic pollution crisis and is versatile enough to be used in fashion, automobile interiors and furniture.

How is Cactus Leather Made?

  1. Cactus pads are cut
  2. Washed and cleaned
  3. Mashed and dried
  4. Turned into Cactus Leather

The material is made from an organic cactus derived formula, with a backing made from recycled polyester and recycled cotton. It is made to last with a focus on durability. It is resistant to water, rubbing, and tearing. It also has a smooth, high quality finish.

Where does Cactus Leather Come From?

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Nopal which is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. Mexico has an abundant amount and is the prime source from where this material originated.

Why Is Cactus Leather More Sustainable then Animal Leather

Plant friendly Cactus Leather is a viable alternative to both animal-derived leather and traditional vegan leathers which can be made from highly toxic PVC or problematic polyurethane.

They are less harmful to the environment then animal leather, due to not only toxic chemicals used for tanning but also the devastating effects of raising animals on a large scale for human consumption.

  • Fact:Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, among 1/3 of the water on the planet and 45% of land usage not to mention that the tanning process uses chemical compounds.

What Makes These Bags Special

The process for molding this material begins with an exclusive design by Andrea Valentini that is then made into a mold for each sheet of cut material to be molded into. The panel is then cut into the shapes for the bags to be stitched and assembled. There are only limited quantities of each style being produced to keep the integrity of the design as a sculptural work of art.

How Do I Clean Cactus Leather?

Easy to Clean using a soft cloth and spray or detergent for removing stains.

What is the Shipping & Return Policy?

  • PRODUCT & SERVICE INFORMATION
  • We are a sustainable brand and only use the most innovative materials.
  • Bio leathers are very durable and lightweight as they are made from the plant base by products of natural skins and may be cleaned with light natural detergent.
  • SHIPPING POLICY Orders placed after 12PM EST will be processed and shipped the following business day if the item is in stock. If the item is out of stock, customers will be notified within one business day. All orders are shipped via UPS or USPS. UPS cannot ship to a PO Box. Delivery time does not include Sundays, or any postal holidays. Andrea Valentini offers Ground Shipping, 3 Day, 2 Day and Next Day shipping options. Once the item is shipped, AV is not responsible for the time of delivery. If the item is not delivered within the appropriate time frame provided by the shipping carrier standards (refer to UPS or USPS zone charts), please contact the shipping carrier regarding your shipment.  If assistance is needed regarding a lost package, please contact AV for assistance. Customers are responsible for any cost related to exceptions made by UPS for incorrect or unavailable shipping addresses. 
  • INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING For international inquiries, please contact info@andreavalentini.com
  • ORDER PROCESSING STANDARDS We accept all major credit cards, paypal or personal checks by mail. Credit cards will be charged upon shipment of purchased items. Orders placed after 12PM will be processed and shipped the following business day if the item is in stock. If the item is out of stock, customers will be notified within 3 business days.
  • SECURE PAYMENT The Andrea Valentini website is provided with an SSL encryption system to protect personal and payment data. All payments are processed through our verified merchant, Authorized.Net for secure shopping. AV Production Studio does not keep any credit card information on file for future purchases.
  • ORDER STATUS To check your order status please log in to your account at andreavalentini.com and under order history select pending orders.In addition, we provide all shipping carrier tracking information via email. If you do not receive tracking information within the first two (2) business days, please check your spam folder or contact AV Production Studio.
  • CANCELLATIONS At this time, AV doesn’t allow for order cancellations during the order-processing phase. Any unwanted items must be returned after being received.
  • RETURN AND EXCHANGE POLICY If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may return the item within 30 days upon receipt. The item must not be worn or altered. Please allow credit within 5 business days from the time we receive your return. Please allow your financial institution and additional 7-10 business days to post to your account. AFTER 30 DAYS, We offer store credit. AV Production Studio offers store credit for all products within the first year of purchase. Credit will be applied internally with your next purchase. Defective items upon delivery or any time within the first year of purchase may be returned in exchange for the same item or an item of equal or lesser value. At this time, the customer is responsible for all shipping and handling costs for the return good(s). Please provide your contact information, reason for return, and original merchandise to:
  • AV Production Studio: C/O Andrea Valentini 573 37th Ave. San Francisco, CA 94121 Packages that arrive COD will not be accepted. 
  • PRODUCT REPAIR: We stand behind the integrity and quality of our products. If repair is necessary, please contact AV Production Studio for assessment of restoration or further advice.
  • GIFT CARDS Andrea Valentini offers gift certificates upon request.
  • We recommend emailing: info@andreavalentini.com to ensure personalization if desired.

 

  • PLEASE NOTE ON WEARABILITY: Please be aware that areas on the bag where most wear happens, it is normal as is with any natural material including animal leather. We will take in exchange for a new bag within the first 3 months of Purchase. 
  • If there are any issues with Zipper breakage or any other defect, we will exchange for a new bag within the first 3 months.

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