Bags on a Mission

Local bag company opens new East Austin storefront with a mission

One Austin-based company is on a mission to expand its footprint with a new east side storefront. ESPEROS, a bag company that gives consumers a unique chance to give back to kids in need, will open the doors of its shop located at 1203 E. Seventh St., on Thursday.

The ambitious company was founded just a couple years ago by Oliver Shuttlesworth, a University of Texas graduate who returned from a trip to Central America trip with an eye-opening perspective. “I heard the same recurring theme among families I spoke with [in Central America]: a desire for their children to receive a quality education,” Shuttlesworth told CultureMap in a previous interview.

Gleaning inspiration from other retailers who successfully give back to those in need (think Warby Parker), Shuttlesworth founded the bag company on a similar model. For each bag sold, ESPEROS donates approximately $10 to help a child in the developing world attend school. And since a year of schooling costs only $15-$20 per child in these communities, that donation makes a big impact. The company works with nonprofits including Pencils of Promise (in Guatemala) and Fnokoze (in Haiti) to fulfill its mission.

Previously only sold online and through retail partners, the new storefront will grant shoppers access to all ESPEROS products, including classic backpacks, totes and carry cases.

"And on top of that, we are highlighting a few other brands here in Austin that are local, high-quality goods," says Ilya Kuperman, head of operations. "This includes Burlap Bag Candles, The Good Hippie, Son of a Sailor, Stationary Bakery and Old Factory Soaps."

With the new space, ESPEROS hopes to connect to the comunity in a new way. "ESPEROS is a young company in a young, fast-growing city and we want to offer the community an impactful, well-curated shopping experience. Our goal is to connect people with our brand and mission in a fun and comfortable space," Kuperman continues.

To celebrate the brand's growing footprint, ESPEROS will host an opening party Thursday, August 7 from 6-9 pm. The festivities will include live music, bites, drinks, and — of course — a first chance to peruse the shop.

A percentage of profits from ESPEROS bags helps children in developing countries attend school.

Courtesy of ESPEROS

A percentage of profits from ESPEROS bags helps children in developing countries attend school.

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HAWT COUTURE

Central Texas designers dazzle in avant-garde sustainable fashion show

Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina's "Placebo" collection.

The members of the design collective Bloodbath Studios have a knack for showcasing visionary fashion in unconventional settings. In 2022, they combined queer representation and Americana at Willie Nelson's Luck Ranch. This December, it sent models down the aisles of Austin's Central Presbyterian Church.

The spectacle was part of Metanoia, an avant-garde fashion show documented by local film director and producer Hannah Varnell. As usual, she teamed up with Bloodbath's resident designers, Danielle Shephard, Benjamin Medina, and Navarr Gonzale s, who are creative directors of all the collaborative's shows.

The presentation broadly explored rebirth through the lens of sustainable fashion. Shepard tells CultureMap that her collection used 100 percent natural materials like wool, linen, metals, and leather for the first time.

Contrasting with the harder-edged pieces shown in 2023's Veneration show, Metanoia introduced ethereal elements like feathers, blurred animal prints, and soft draping. Even the more armored pieces featured a new lightness. A chained dress from Medina wrapped the model's body like gossamer, and a fierce metal bandeau from Shepard was paired with a wispy skirt.

In addition to showcasing work from Bloodbath's members, Metanoia made room for other underground creators. Conceptual artist Melanie Alva and ecologically minded brands Prior Waste and Sommestella presented mini collections.

The core designers led CultureMap through the inspirations of this season's designs.

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales

"FLAMER is inspired by all the different forms and curves of each body the brand dresses," writes Gonzales. "Pulling back all the layers and reforming them to emphasize the true form of the wearer. Leather is the core material used and a foundation of all my inspirations. I pull from subcultures within the queer community. The hidden corners of our experiences that are enticing and sensual."

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A dramatic feathered piece in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Flamer by Navarr Gonzales A ghostly vision in the Flamer collection.Photo by Ima Shoots

Alive by Benjamin Medina, "Placebo"

"Placebo embodies the quiet, powerful shift that occurs when belief is the only thing standing between stagnation and transformation," writes Medina. "Placebo is not just about change—it's about strength in the face of it. It's the unspoken force that drives you to rebuild, even when you can't see the path ahead."

Alive by Benjamin Medina Draped chains create the illusion of fabric in the Placebo collection.Photo by Willie Wang

Dashe by Danielle Shepard

"Personal style can also be a type of armor," writes Shepard. "This collection drove that home while also putting superior materials and couture techniques on the front lines. My aim is to create personalized heirloom pieces to combat the abysmally expensive cost-per-wear of cheap, poorly made fast fashion garments."

Dashe by Danielle Shepard Shepard says she considers individual clients' styles when creating designs.Photo by Ima Shoots

Dashe by Danielle Shepard The work in the Dashe collection is meant to lastPhoto by Willie Wang

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