ABOUT US
Piper & Skye is an emerging luxury handbag brand, already being recognized as a leader in responsible luxury accessories. Their mission is to borrow from nature to create gorgeous and intentionally sustainable, ethically-minded products. They source raw materials with such concepts in mind as biodiversity and regeneration….partnering with suppliers who align with their values of respect, responsibility, and community. Piper & Skye’s handbags are crafted with the help of small independent artisans in North America, with complete focus on the people and planet so affected by today’s world of crushing impacts from the fashion industry. Taking care of the communities which fish and tan their leathers, supporting local shelters in major cities across the continent, and nurturing their cherished supply chain and partners, this team of entrepreneurs is proud of the work they do…..there is no question why their tagline is
“we love what we’re made of."
Joanna MacDonald is the founder of the luxury responsible accessory brand, Piper & Skye. Before founding the company in 2015, MacDonald’s passion and dedication in broadening her knowledge of accessory design in the luxury industry began with her studies at the London College of Fashion in London, England. While initially beginning her career as a human resource professional in agricultural manufacturing, her entrepreneurial spirit attributed to her pivot into fashion design, specifically luxury handbags. She credits this career change in part to her late grandmother - who at an early age taught her the feeling a woman has when carrying a piece of fashion on her arm, especially when it is created with a genuine purpose.
It is this purpose that has driven Joanna’s deep rooted understanding and appreciation for inclusion, transparency and responsibility within Piper & Skye, since inception. Under her careful guidance, Piper & Skye has achieved a transparent supply chain, using artisans to develop ethically made luxury sustainable goods with a lower carbon footprint than traditional leather. With a dedication to #raisingthebar for luxury, MacDonald is constantly innovating the brand’s products and direction, as a transformational company - with a genuine concern for people and the planet, and a responsibility for both internal and external stakeholders. She infuses philanthropic efforts with every initiative of the brand, supporting specifically survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking and homelessness.
Joanna MacDonald believes the future of luxury goods lies in being environmentally conscious and sustainable, something she has been passionate about developing and innovating for years.
Safe Transitions
Joanna established Safe Transitions in 2020 out of the urgent need for relief of over-run shelters. This not-for-profit exists to help women and children move out of shelters and into their own home. Victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking are among the most vulnerable people in our communities, and often do not get the attention they deserve.
Shelters are inundated with an increased requirement for safe housing. Safe Transitions acts as an intermediary organization connecting shelters with landlords who will provide subsidized and affordable homes for long term individuals ready to begin their transition to a new beginning. To learn more about Safe Transitions, click here
OUR PURPOSE
To be a leader in responsible luxury.
OUR MISSION
We find ourselves in the unique position to honor what we have borrowed from nature and create beautiful handbags with the utmost respect for our planet and everything on it. In the process we are engaging our global communities to inspire and understand our common opportunity to make the world a better place through beauty and responsible luxury.
OUR VALUES
Responsibility
Respect
Community