Our story
It started with one honest bag.
Selvarno was born from a simple frustration: bags that looked beautiful but never quite worked. So we built the opposite — and we’ve been refining it ever since.
The beginning
From a Venice studio, to the world.
Ava grew up between San Diego and Florence, the daughter of a textile importer and a graphic designer. She spent her twenties carrying samples through airports — and quietly cataloguing every place a bag let her down.
The first Selvarno tote was a fix for one of those small failures. The version you can buy today is the 42nd iteration of that sketch.
A short timeline
- 2019
The first sketch
Founder Ava drafts a tote that finally holds a laptop, water bottle, and dignity — all at once.
- 2021
First sample
Six months of prototypes with a third-generation workshop in Tuscany. The Pacific Tote is born.
- 2022
We open the doors
Selvarno launches with three pieces, one color story, and one promise: luxury that makes life easier.
- 2023
The Foundation
We commit a share of every order to coastal conservation and youth education partners.
- 2024
Carried in 70+ countries
Tens of thousands of bags in the wild. We’re still a small team, and we still answer your emails.
- 2026
Today
New shapes, the same standard. Designed in California, made to last a lifetime.
Still here
Small team, long view.
Selvarno is still independent and still small — eleven people, one studio, one promise. We’d rather make fewer pieces really well than chase trends. Thank you for carrying us.
