COPIA BAGS

MEET CHASE ALLEN ROGERS — FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF COPIA BAGS. THE CALIFORNIA-BASED BRAND DESIGNS UNIQUE, HANDMADE LEATHER, COWHIDE AND LINEN TOTES, CLUTCHES, CROSSBODY AND BEACH | MARKET BAGS SUSTAINABLY MADE IN ARGENTINA WITH ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP. EACH COPIA BAG HAS THE BRAND’S SIGNATURE RED STITCHING AND ARE RELEASED IN LIMITED COLLECTIONS.

A woman’s purse says a lot about her: it hints at her personality and style, her preference for colors or neutrals, leather or fabric, large to hold everything or small to hold a few select things. A purse is not only an accessory a women carries on her arm, but is part of how she presents herself to the world; and finding a quality, affordable bag that’s not only stylish but durable after years of use can be hard to find.

COPIA BAGS based in California and founded by Chase Allen Rogers in 2020, aims to be a woman’s ideal companion with their soft fabrics, affordable price and quality craftsmanship that won’t fade after years of use. Whether your using your bag everyday, on special occasions, when traveling or on a trip, COPIA has the perfect companion for you in various sizes and fabrics.

Stylish Storyteller: What is your background and why did you decide to establish COPIA in 2020?

Chase Allen Rogers: “Over the past twenty years, I synthesized corporate communications with mindfulness practices and creative techniques into a unique writing consultancy. I am a serial creative who loves collaboration and eclectic problem solving.

Chase Allen Rogers, Founder and Creative Director, COPIA BAGS.

“As a graphic designer, writer and creative strategist, I am dedicated to heightening the quality of how people experience, connect and communicate. I believe that when people have the skills to effectively express ideas and persuade with intelligence, clarity and creativity, then they have the power to ignite positive change and improve relationships. I began Copia as a means to create connect with others. It is a brand founded on authenticity and values.

“I bring this passion for connection and storytelling to my new brand, Copia. Each bag is hand cut and sewn by local Argentinian artisans who have been honing their skills for generations. We focus on only the finest, most supple hides, leathers and fabrics to bring you bag that will only enhance your unique style. As soon as you pick up a Copia bag it has a calming effect. Soft and supple, it wraps itself around your body. The classic minimalism will not only turn heads but will make you feel both fabulous and fashionable.

“With a focus on fine, sustainable materials and artistry, Copia was born at a time that challenged many of us to re-examine our lifestyles and take stock of our lives. Confined to a tiny enclave in Northern California during a global pandemic, I longed for new ways to connect with my local and global tribe. I reached out to long-time friend and global entrepreneur, Facundo Puch in Buenos Aires. Facundo grew up in the Argentinian countryside traveling and training polo ponies world-wide. Together, we re-discovered a mutual passion for fine, handcrafted goods, local artisans and travel.”

“In many ways, the global situation allowed us to truly appreciate and connect to our local, environmental treasures. We were able to share more with each other and be more present in our lives. Feeling grateful for our communities, local artistry and eager to invoke a sense of place, we created alchemical designs that beautifully reflect the two cultures and our love of travel and finery.”

SS: As a purse designer, craftsmanship is an integral aspect for a quality product, how does Argentinian craftsmanship elevate COPIA BAGS?

CAR: “Globally known for its quality, Argentina sets the gold standard for fine leather goods. Leather is an icon in Argentina, like the maté, and the tango. Historically, tanners — leather artisans — would drive wagons from farm to farm fabricating bridles, saddles, bags and boots. Nothing synthetic. Nothing discarded.

“This tradition of working with leather refined over the years as tanners moved into the cities and brought their craft to everyday designs. Today, as then, expansive Argentinian bovine farms provide free-range, sustainable leather that the fashion-savvy can source in abundance to create finely-crafted goods. Copia works with small, family-owned businesses and local artisans that have been perfecting their craft for generations. We personally select each hide for their color, texture, suppleness and quality which are then individually cut and sewn by hand to deliver a uniquely superior product. We provide local artisans with a livelihood and are able to deliver a sense of travel, adventure and camaraderie in combining our two cultures. The value is in the connection, the beauty is in the details.

“We view our mission as an effort to honor the whole animal. Therefore we source only leather, skins as by-products of other industries. Our selections are based on availability versus placing a demand on the market.

“We use only the finest cowhides from Argentina and engage the best local craftsman to implement our designs. This allows us to produce a high-quality, small batch or one-of-a-kind product.”

SS: Can you describe your creative process for each collection and how you determine the fabrics, colors and sizes? What are signature design elements included in every COPIA Bag?

CAR: “As someone who has been immersed in art and design for over 25 years, a large part of my creative process is intuitive. At Copia, we choose to limit manufactured hardware to a minimum focussing on sustainably sourced cowhides predominantly for their uniqueness and timelessness. When we come across an equally fine leather, linen or raffia we discover new ways to present classic styles. Good design, for me, is all about fusion, utility, grace and sometimes, paradox. When designing a bag, or rug, I imagine how it will be used, loved and cherished. I also think about how I will use it and cherish it. If I don’t love it, I cannot present it to the world.”

“The most significant detail is the red thread sewn into the suede handles of the totes. The red thread references an ancient Chinese proverb that speaks of an invisible red thread that connects us all. It creates a special relationship between me and the buyer. I prefer a paired down minimal approach to labeling but it also must stand as a design element rather than an afterthought or mark of ownership.

COPIA’s The Getaway leather tote bag.

“I chose to emboss the logo and place it subtly on the inside pocket, with the exception of the leather totes. Within the logo is the mantra for abundance: Receiving everything around us is what leads to an abundant life. This subtle reminder of the receptive quality of the Divine Feminine echoes that we all deserve to receive the gifts Life, Universe and Spirit have to offer.”

SS: How does COPIA’s dedication to sustainability and ethical practices strengthen its commitment to transparency for customers and embody the brand's mission?

CAR: “I am a fierce warrior for human and animal rights. I had to think long and hard about using the cowhides and leather knowing what they could represent. I have also had the benefit of shamanic studies and understand that we, as humans, have a unique relationship to animals.

COPIA’s Black Coffee in Bed cowhide tote bag.

“My goal with Copia is to honor the whole animal. Therefore we source only leather, skins as by-products of other industries. Our selections are based on availability versus placing a demand on the market. We use only the finest cowhides from Argentina and engage the best local craftsman to implement our designs. We view our mission as an effort to honor the whole animal—akin to native traditions of gratitude and abundance—as well as time-honored local artistry and materials. This allows us to produce a high-quality, small batch or one-of-a-kind product.”

SS: Can you share how you come up with the names for the bags and how it adds to the personality of the brand?

CAR: “At first I was keen to name them after local flora, fauna, locations but then it started to feel forced. Now I look at a bag and I hear a song, a phrase or feel an experience and then the bag finds its name. It’s as if the bags name themselves. Each bag has such a unique personality and I truly hope the name invokes that experience for the buyer. Of course, anyone is free to rename their bag! But it is another way for me to connect to others and bring joy and adventure to the doldrums of Covid life.”

SS: How does your partnership with the Center for Domestic Peace align with COPIA's values?

CAR: “From the onset, I wanted to create a business model that not only gives back to the community but also gives a voice to NGOs close to my heart. I feel it is our intrinsic duty to support each other. My vision involved bringing community members, thought leaders, NGOs together through Copia. The selling of the bags would be the catalyst for connection, community and change.

“As a survivor, CD4P was an easy and natural first choice. As Covid unfurled domestic violence reached an all-time high. I wanted to be part of the solution. We have talked about creating a low cost utilitarian tote, and or a portfolio for legal documents for women at the shelters to perhaps foster a sense of pride and empowerment. Often they show up with little but the clothes on their back and a few items shoved in a garbage bag. They deserve better. We deserve better.”

“Good design, for me, is all about fusion, utility, grace and sometimes, paradox. When designing a bag, or rug, I imagine how it will be used, loved and cherished. I also think about how I will use it and cherish it. If I don’t love it, I cannot present it to the world.

“The most significant detail of the bags is the red thread sewn into the suede handles of the totes. The red thread references an ancient Chinese proverb that speaks of an invisible red thread that connects us all. It creates a special relationship between me and the buyer.”

SS: What motivates you to continue to create quality, affordable bags for customers?

CAR: “Everyone deserves high quality and it doesn’t need to come with a high price. My goal is to deliver bags that spark joy to as many people as possible. I don’t need to price my bags out of people’s reach. Look, I coin my bags emotional support bags. Their sheer softness and suppleness make them ideal companions. Why make that only available to a limited few. Joy is meant to be shared.

“I also aim to create new pathways for connection via empowered Brand Partnerships and Brand Ambassadors. I have chosen not to wholesale Copia bags at this time because the model I want to evolve post-Covid is about bringing people together through Copia events. I want to attract local Brand Ambassadors that can throw Copia parties and highlight local charities and though leaders through these events.”

COPIA BAGS’ California Gold tote bag.

SS: How do you hope COPIA can contribute towards the progression for more accountable, sustainable fashion brands?

CAR: “I’d like Copia to be a model for sustainability, connection and quality. I firmly believe we can source locally quite successfully. I am very much against large manufacturing abroad; I don’t feel this empowers anyone. But it isn’t without its drawbacks. I don't think I will ever create high-volume, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find skilled artisans. If more designers supported local artisans and sourced sustainable materials, we could change the face of design and production. If we divest in volume manufacturing, perhaps we could create opportunity for more skilled labor through apprenticeship programs, for instance. I believe people feel more empowered when working with natural materials from local sources utilizing traditional wisdom.”

SS: What excites you most about releasing COPIA collections in the future?

CAR: “I pay attention to the how people are living and the current social conditions. Covid, for instance, called for a specific set of design parameters. I thoughtfully took into account how people were spending their time, what they needed most. etc. As things open up, I am eager to travel and source more inspiration, materials, artisans and connections. I hope to create designs that reflect those experiences as well. Life is change and change is what excites me most.”

SS: What are some future goals you have for COPIA as it continues to grow and connect with people?

CAR: “I am eager to build by Brand Partnerships and Ambassador program. I am excited to create platforms that give local charities and mindfulness leaders a voice. As the world opens up, I want to offer the templates for passionate bag lovers to connect with their communities through Copia bags and rugs. I look forward to posting pictures and stories of people connecting through Copia — a love of travel, adventure and high-quality craftsmanship.”

COPIA’s Artemis Crossbody