Eco Exclusive! Iomoi's Tote Bag Helps Protect African Wildlife

To celebrate Earth Month, we enlisted a handful of green-loving designers to earmark an item exclusively for InStyle, and pledge to donate a portion of this month’s sales to charities that improve the environment. For today’s post, we’re highlighting Iomoi.

Charmed by elephants? Us too—especially by Ling, the festively dressed mammal emblazoned on Iomoi's canvas tote (above, right). The Cali-based luxury brand specializes in putting a creative twist on traditional, old school icons (think: a crocodile in a cricket sweater having a martini, or a seahorse wearing a bifocal and a top hat). "We call it tradition with a wink," says co-founder Irene Chen.

The animals in Iomoi's designs often add whimsy and color to an otherwise basic palette. The ones above are based on Chen's favorite charms she's collected over the years. But elephants especially hold a place in her charitable heart: "Elephants are a lucky charm for us," she said. "They're extremely wise and have incredible memories." Her passion for the large animals led the brand to donate a portion of its proceeds to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a foundation that helps preserve wildlife and endangered species in Africa. Wear an elephant, and help save one too! Snag Iomoi's canvas tote for $88 at shopiomoi.com.

For more eco exclusives, pick up the April issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.

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