Where Craft Meets Conscience: The Story of Luisa Hurtado and ENITH
In a world where fast fashion dominates and fleeting trends reign, a quiet revolution is taking shape—one rooted in timeless design, ethical responsibility, and thoughtful craftsmanship. At the heart of this movement stands Luisa Hurtado, the visionary founder of ENITH, a luxury vegan bag brand that balances form, function, and sustainability. Her journey spans continents, cultures, and convictions, weaving together her Colombian roots and Barcelona refinement into every seam. In this exclusive conversation, Luisa opens up about her inspirations, challenges, and triumphs as she redefines what ethical luxury looks and feels like today.
Luisa, every visionary has a story that ignites their path. Can you share with us your journey into the world of ethical luxury and vegan fashion? What were the pivotal moments or influences that led you to dedicate yourself to this cause?
My journey into ethical luxury and sustainable fashion began with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and design. Growing up in Colombia and later moving to Barcelona, I was always fascinated by the artistry behind fashion—how every piece tells a story through its materials, construction, and purpose.
The pivotal moment that led me to create ENITH was something quite personal. I noticed how my friends and family would often struggle to find their essentials inside their bags, leading to frustration and wasted time. It made me question why bags—an everyday necessity—weren’t designed to be both functional and stylish. That’s when I envisioned a bag that combined organization, elegance, and sustainability.
Ubrique, a town known for its artisanal leather craftsmanship, was the perfect place to bring this vision to life. However, I wanted to ensure that every step of the process aligned with ethical values—choosing responsible materials, working with skilled artisans in fair conditions, and designing timeless pieces that encourage conscious consumption rather than fast fashion trends.
For me, ethical luxury is about creating something that lasts, both in quality and impact. ENITH is more than just a brand; it’s a movement towards thoughtful fashion—where beauty, function, and responsibility coexist.
Luisa Hurtado (center) attends Vegan Fashion Week in Los Angeles, CA, in March 2025.
Your dedication to craftsmanship is evident in your choice to produce in Ubrique, known for its quality handcrafted leather goods. Can you share more about the decision to work with artisans from this region and how this choice reflects the essence of ENITH?
Choosing to produce in Ubrique was a natural decision for ENITH. This small town in Spain has a long-standing tradition of leather craftsmanship, known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality artisanal work. For generations, the artisans of Ubrique have perfected their craft, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.
When I founded ENITH, I knew I wanted each bag to embody the values of craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful product—it was about honoring the skill and dedication of artisans who bring these pieces to life. Working closely with them allows us to ensure that every stitch, cut, and finish meets the highest standards.
Beyond quality, this decision also aligns with our sustainability ethos. By producing locally in a small workshop, we can maintain ethical working conditions, minimize waste, and create in small batches, ensuring each piece is made with care rather than mass production.
For me, Ubrique is more than a manufacturing hub; it’s a place where tradition and modernity meet, where passion for craftsmanship is alive in every creation. This connection to the artisans and their expertise is what truly defines ENITH and sets our bags apart.
As a Colombian-born designer now residing in Barcelona, how have your diverse cultural experiences influenced your approach to fashion design and shaped the identity of ENITH?
Being born in Colombia and now living in Barcelona has given me a unique perspective on fashion—one that blends rich tradition with modern sophistication. Colombia is a country full of vibrant colors, artisanal craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for handmade work. Growing up surrounded by this artistry instilled in me a love for details, textures, and the importance of pieces that tell a story.
Barcelona, on the other hand, has refined my design approach. It’s a city that thrives on minimalism, innovation, and effortless elegance. Living here has taught me the beauty of clean lines, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. This mix of influences is what truly defines ENITH—combining the warmth and craftsmanship of my Colombian roots with the sleek, contemporary style of European fashion.
At ENITH, every bag is designed with this fusion in mind. Our pieces are not just practical and well-organized; they also carry the soul of craftsmanship and the sophistication of modern design. This balance is what makes our brand unique—allowing us to create accessories that are both functional and artistic, perfect for women who appreciate beauty, quality, and purpose in their everyday lives.
The path to pioneering in any field, especially one as demanding and revolutionary as ethical luxury, is filled with challenges. Could you share some of the significant obstacles you’ve encountered, how you overcame them, and your most cherished achievements so far with ENITH?
Building a brand in the ethical luxury space comes with its own set of challenges, but every obstacle has reinforced my commitment to ENITH’s vision. One of the biggest challenges was finding high-quality vegan materials that met our standards for durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Ethical fashion is still evolving, and while the demand for cruelty-free alternatives is growing, sourcing materials that align with our values without compromising on luxury was a long and meticulous process. After extensive research and testing, we found premium vegan leather that offers the same elegance and durability as traditional leather—without the environmental impact.
Another significant challenge was entering a competitive industry dominated by established luxury brands. As a young brand, gaining visibility and trust required a strong narrative and a product that truly stood out. That’s why we focused on our unique value proposition: bags that are not only beautifully crafted but also designed with organization and functionality in mind.
Despite these challenges, one of my proudest achievements has been seeing the response from our customers. Hearing stories about how ENITH bags have simplified people’s lives and become their go-to accessory is incredibly rewarding. Another milestone was producing in Ubrique, a region known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Collaborating with skilled artisans who share our dedication to quality and ethical production has been a dream come true.
ENITH is still at the beginning of its journey, but every step—every challenge overcome and every achievement—reinforces my belief that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration in your personal and professional life? How do these influences reflect in the ethos and designs of ENITH?
My biggest source of inspiration, both personally and professionally, has always been the people around me. My family, friends, and the women I admire in my daily life have played a huge role in shaping my vision for ENITH. It was their struggles—losing time searching for essentials in their bags, needing an accessory that was both elegant and practical—that sparked the idea for ENITH in the first place.
Beyond fashion, I’m deeply inspired by the shift toward conscious consumerism. Women today are looking for more than just a beautiful bag; they want something functional, ethical, and long-lasting. That’s why ENITH embodies both organization and elegance, using sustainable materials and thoughtful designs that seamlessly adapt to different moments in life.
At its core, ENITH is a reflection of the women who inspire me—strong, modern, and effortlessly refined. My goal has always been to create something that not only looks beautiful but also adds value to their daily lives. If I have to name one person in particular it would be my mother. Actually, ENITH is my mom’s second name. Since she is the clearest example of inspiration in my life, I thought it would be the perfect name for the brand.
Building a strong community and creating a new value ecosystem are essential for the growth and sustainability of brands in the ethical luxury niche. What platforms or networks have you found most supportive in connecting with like-minded designers, ethical suppliers, and conscious consumers?
From the beginning, I knew that surrounding myself with like-minded designers, ethical suppliers, and conscious consumers would be key to our growth.
Social media has been a powerful tool in this journey. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn have allowed us to share our story, engage with our audience, and connect with individuals who resonate with our vision.
Beyond digital platforms, industry events and fashion sustainability summits have been invaluable. Attending fairs and conferences focused on ethical fashion—such as the Ethical Luxury Summit in LA, Coterie in New York, or sustainable design forums—has allowed me to meet innovative suppliers and other designers who share the same commitment to responsible fashion.
I’ve also found immense value in collaborating with independent concept stores and boutiques that focus on ethical luxury. These partnerships provide a platform to introduce ENITH to consumers who actively seek out brands that align with their values.
Ultimately, the most rewarding part of building ENITH has been engaging with conscious consumers. Their feedback, experiences, and enthusiasm reinforce why we do what we do.
Attending the pioneering Ethical Luxury Summit and discovering the Green Room in Los Angeles for the first time must have been a notable experience. Could you share a standout moment or key takeaway that inspired you or might significantly impact ENITH’s approach to the U.S. market?
Attending the Ethical Luxury Summit and visiting the Green Room in Los Angeles was indeed a pivotal experience for ENITH. It was inspiring to see so many like-minded brands and individuals coming together with a shared commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. One standout moment for me was when I had the chance to connect with other designers who, like me, were focused on creating luxury goods without compromising on our values. Their stories, challenges, and successes reaffirmed my belief that ethical luxury is not just a trend but the future of fashion.
A key takeaway that I believe will significantly impact ENITH’s approach to the U.S. market is the growing demand for transparency and authenticity. Consumers are increasingly looking for brands that not only offer high-quality products but also share their story, values, and production processes. This means the U.S. market is ripe for brands like ENITH, where our focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and responsible materials is an integral part of our identity.
What advice would you give to emerging designers who aspire to make a positive impact in the world of sustainable and ethical fashion?
To emerging designers who aspire to make a positive impact in the world of sustainable and ethical fashion, my advice would be to stay true to your values and remain patient with the process. Building a brand based on sustainability isn’t an easy journey. It requires a lot of dedication, creativity, and resilience—but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Start by understanding the full lifecycle of your products—everything from sourcing materials to production and beyond. Sustainability isn’t just about choosing eco-friendly materials; it’s about creating something that lasts, reduces waste, and considers its environmental and social impact. Research your suppliers, and work with partners who share your commitment to ethical practices.
Another important piece of advice is to embrace transparency. Consumers today want to know the story behind the products they buy. Don’t be afraid to share the challenges and successes you encounter as you grow your brand. People are drawn to authenticity and honesty, and this can be a powerful way to build trust and loyalty with your audience.
Above all, believe in the power of fashion to make a difference. We have the ability to shift the industry toward more responsible practices, and by staying committed to our values, we can help create a more sustainable and ethical future for fashion.
