About Medea
Medea was founded in 2018 by Italian twin sisters Giulia and Camilla Venturini, both of whom had a background in fashion and art. The brand's inception came after their encounter with the owner of a leather factory in Verona, Italy. Inspired by a 1969 film named after the mythical sorceress Medea, their brand's philosophy was to transform the commonplace into luxurious through leather renditions of shopping bags.
The brand's first designs were instantly recognizable for their shopping bag-like structure. These handbags, sleek in design and available in various sizes and leather finishes, quickly set Medea apart in the luxury handbag market. Their distinct shape and style reflect the brand's commitment to minimalist yet impactful design.
Celebrity endorsements have played a significant role in Medea's rise. In 2019, an Instagram post by Rihanna, featuring Medea’s signature tote, significantly boosted the brand's visibility. The brand has since been embraced by numerous celebrities, including Beyonce, reinforcing its status in the high-fashion world.
Medea's brand philosophy is deeply intertwined with its founders' art backgrounds. The vision was to create a handbag that serves as a canvas for art, marrying high fashion with creative expression. This artistic approach underpins the brand's design ethos, emphasizing simplicity, adaptability, and a focus on high-quality, well-executed products.
From the outset, Medea has been engaged in collaborations with artists, making these partnerships a core aspect of their identity. One of their early collaborations was with artist Nan Goldin, setting a precedent for how the brand approaches its partnerships, focusing on artistic integrity and mutual respect rather than purely transactional relationships.
Sustainability is a crucial element of Medea’s operations, although they face challenges due to the nature of leather goods. The brand emphasizes local production in Italy and the use of suppliers nearby to minimize their carbon footprint. While they explored alternative materials like faux and mushroom leather, they ultimately prioritized the quality and structural integrity that real leather provides.