State of Escape

What State of Escape does

State of Escape is an Australian contemporary accessories brand that designs and handcrafts tote bags, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and small leather accessories in Sydney, Australia. Its core technology centers on a proprietary knit construction in which knitted channels house custom rope handles, giving the bags structure and a recognizable design signature. The portfolio spans the Meridian collection (large, midi, small totes plus shoulder bags and accessories), the original Escape and Flying Solo totes, the Solstice line made from 35% bio-based rubber, the Adrift upcycled collection, crossbody options (Compass Kit, Festival), the Petite Escape, Mini Me bag charms, pouches, and gift cards, priced from $96 to $450 USD.

The business operates as a pure direct-to-consumer e-commerce company on a Shopify storefront (stateofescape.com), shipping globally via Startrack domestically and DHL International worldwide with no disclosed wholesale or third-party retail channels. The customer base is fragmented across style-conscious individual consumers globally, with the brand's positioning anchored on B Corp certification, sustainable materials, and a "design with purpose" aesthetic. Marketing is concentrated on Instagram, email newsletters, and the brand's blog ("Our escape"). The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding, parent company, or institutional investors; it achieved B Corp certification in 2024. Revenue is generated entirely through one-time physical product sales with no subscription or recurring model.

Name

State of Escape

Legal name

State of Escape

Website

https://stateofescape.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

State of Escape is an Australian privately held brand that designs and handcrafts contemporary tote bags, crossbodies, and accessories in Sydney, selling exclusively direct-to-consumer through its Shopify e-commerce site to style-conscious individual consumers in 150+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Contemporary Handbags and Tote Bags

NAICS

Luggage and Leather Goods Retailers (458320)

SIC

Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Handbags & Purses (CRAAAJAA)

Keywords

• Handcrafted tote bags
• Contemporary handbags
• Knit construction bags
• Designer accessories
• Sustainable fashion bags

Headquarters

HQ city

Seaforth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: One-time purchase model for physical handcrafted totes, crossbody bags, and accessories. Customers purchase products directly through the e-commerce website with prices ranging from $86 to $450 USD.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

State of Escape designs and handcrafts contemporary tote bags, handbags, and accessories in Sydney, Australia, selling them directly to consumers worldwide through its e-commerce website. The product range encompasses multiple bag collections including Meridian, Escape, Solstice, Compass Kit, Festival, Petite Escape, and Adrift upcycled, alongside accessories such as bag charms, glasses cases, AirPods cases, and pouches. Products are distinguished by proprietary knit construction with custom rope handles and use of sustainable materials such as 35% bio-based rubber.

Product overview

State of Escape is an Australian designer of contemporary tote bags and handbags, handcrafted in Sydney. The product portfolio centers on core bag collections (Meridian, Escape, Flying Solo, Solstice, Compass Kit, Festival, Petite Escape, Adrift) complemented by accessories (bag charms, glasses cases, AirPods cases, pouches) and gift cards. The Meridian collection offers totes in multiple sizes (large, midi, small) plus shoulder bags with signature knit construction and rope handles. The Escape and Flying Solo totes represent the signature mid-size and compact silhouettes. The Solstice line features bio-based rubber bags. Accessories include Mini Me bag charms, glasses cases, AirPods cases, and pouches. Products ship globally with free express shipping within Australia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Meridian Large Tote A large-sized tote bag featuring refined, textured finish with knitted channels that house custom rope handles. Emblematic of the brand's design philosophy combining beauty in simplicity with purpose in every detail. Available at $450 USD.
• Meridian Midi Tote A mid-size tote with refined textured finish and contemporary silhouette, featuring knitted channels with custom rope handles for structure and distinctive character. Available at $430 USD.
• Meridian Small Tote A compact-sized tote with innovative knit construction and custom rope handles, designed to carry daily essentials including a small water bottle, with detachable pouch for phone, cards, and keys. Available at $410 USD.
• Meridian Shoulder Bag A shoulder bag designed for carried-over-the-shoulder ease with zipper closure and double rope handle for structure and distinctive design signature. Available at $400 USD.
• Escape Tote The original mid-size tote with internal pouch, described as the one that started it all. Simple perfection for everyday wanderings and anything that comes your way. Available at $390 USD.
• Flying Solo Tote A compact version of the original Escape tote, versatile and deceptively full of space with internal pouch to keep valuables safe. Available at $350 USD.
• Solstice Tote An ultimate weekend accessory worn on the shoulder or carried in hand, with style uncompromised for versatility. Made from 35% bio-based rubber. Available at $400 USD.
• Solstice Mini Tote A compact version of the Solstice tote, the ultimate weekend accessory for light-on exploration. Made from 35% bio-based rubber.
• Compass Kit Crossbody Hands-free crossbody bag that can also be styled around the waist or over the shoulder. Ultimate form, function and versatility - compact yet spacious for essentials on the go. Available at $255 USD.
• Festival Crossbody Crossbody bag featuring a single piece of adjustable sailing rope for structure and ease. Fits all essentials without weighing you down. Available at $350 USD.
• Petite Escape A handheld bag full of character with removable pouch and cross body shoulder strap for hands-free use. Available at $350 USD.
• Adrift Crossbody Crossbody bag from the Adrift upcycled collection, crafted from upcycled materials for sustainable style.
• Meridian Mini Bag Charm A small decorative charm accessory designed to personalize State of Escape totes, hooks effortlessly around bag handles. Available at $160 USD.
• Meridian Glasses Case A playful accessory designed to personalize totes by hooking around handles, keeping glasses close at hand. Can also carry keys, cords, or lip balm. Available at $110 USD.
• Meridian AirPods Case A playful accessory that loops around bag handles to keep AirPods close at hand. Can also carry lip balm or cords/cables. Available at $96 USD.
• Mini Me Bag Charms Decorative bag charms for personalizing State of Escape totes. Available in various designs including Nina and Olivia collections.
• Pouches Travel and everyday pouches for organizing essentials. Suitable for travel essentials, passports, and small accessories.
• Gift Cards Gift cards offering freedom to choose color and style to suit individual adventures.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% bio-based rubber used in Solstice collection

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mansur Gavriel: New York-based contemporary minimalist handbag and footwear brand known for clean silhouettes and premium materials. Closely comparable to State of Escape on positioning (premium, design-led, fashion-forward accessories) and on direct-to-consumer business model.
• Cuyana: Direct-to-consumer brand offering premium totes, leather goods, and travel essentials with a 'fewer, better things' philosophy. Closely mirrors State of Escape's premium price points ($100-$400 range), tote-led assortment, and emphasis on versatile everyday carry.
• Clare V. Los Angeles-based contemporary handbag and accessories brand with strong DTC presence and selective wholesale. Comparable to State of Escape on premium contemporary positioning, handbag-led assortment, and design-driven identity.
• Staud: LA-based contemporary fashion and accessories brand with a strong handbag business across totes, shoulder bags, and crossbodies. Comparable to State of Escape on contemporary premium positioning, tote/crossbody product mix, and fashion-forward aesthetic.
• Dagne Dover: DTC premium bag brand focused on functional totes, backpacks, and laptop bags for working professionals. Comparable to State of Escape on premium tote-led assortment, direct-to-consumer model, and style-plus-function value proposition.
• MZ Wallace: NYC-based DTC brand specializing in lightweight, quilted nylon totes and crossbody bags. Comparable to State of Escape on premium tote/crossbody assortment, direct-to-consumer focus, and positioning around versatile everyday carry.
• Parker Clay: Certified B Corporation handbag brand with premium leather totes, backpacks, and accessories made by ethically-employed artisans. Highly comparable to State of Escape on B Corp status, sustainability positioning, premium handbag assortment, and DTC distribution.
• Naghedi: Handcrafted premium handbag brand known for distinctive woven/neoprene construction in totes and crossbodies. Comparable to State of Escape on handcrafted construction, premium price points, distinctive material signature, and DTC-led sales model.
• SENREVE: Premium DTC handbag brand offering convertible crossbody, tote, and shoulder bags with Italian craftsmanship. Comparable to State of Escape on premium price points ($200-$700 range), DTC distribution, design-led positioning, and versatile everyday carry focus.

Broad incumbents

• Loewe: LVMH-owned luxury leather goods house with a leading position in premium handbags, totes, and small leather goods. Comparable to State of Escape on handbag/tote category leadership but operates at a much higher price tier and scale as a broad incumbent in the same product space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/stateofescape/?hl=en
• Xx.com/state_of_escape
• Facebookfacebook.com/stateofescape

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about State of Escape