Known for its clutches, wallets, jewelry and passport cases, CARINA was founded by Clarissa Carlucci and her mother back in 2020. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height and international travel was at a standstill. Carlucci, whose heritage traces to the Italian Riviera, captured the essence of a country she and her mother longed to return to—in particular, to Liguria, the colorful coastal region where her late father was born.
“My mom and I started CARINA in honor of my late father,” said Carlucci. “Since then, it has been a dream to see it evolve into a recognized Italian lifestyle brand.”
From Portofino to the rainbow buildings of Cinque Terre, CARINA paints each product with la costa’s palette. Portofino Pink, Mediterranean turquoise, and Aperol orange are just some of the colors that transport the wearer to the Peninsula.
“Each of the destinations that we travel to together along the Italian coast inspires our collections—whether it’s the peachy pink buildings of Portofino or the dark blue waters that surround the island of Ischia,” said Carlucci.
These colors of Italy shade each clutch, wallet, coin purse and jewelry case. Crafted from luxurious vegan leather, CARINA also embodies high-quality, Italian craftsmanship.
“Sustainability is incredibly important to us,” explained Carlucci. “Each of our collections is sourced from vegan leather and is limited to reduce fashion waste.”
CARINA’s Italian identity weaves beyond the Riviera-themed colors. “Inspired by the summer of the Mediterranean Sea,” the Riviera Collezione is a direct tribute to Liguria. Italian phrases, metaphors, and motifs are embossed in gilded letters that glimmer as brightly as the Mediterranean’s sunset. “La Dolce Vita,” “Spritz Szn,” “Il Mare,” “Ciao Bella,” “Sole + Mare,” and “Dolce Far Niente” bolster a sunshine state of mind through CARINA’s simple use of la lingua italiana.
“‘La Dolce Vita’ vibes should last all year long in our opinion,” added Carlucci. “The CARINA aesthetic is unapologetically vibrant and colorful all year round. Most of our accessories have our iconic golden tone puller and embossing, reminiscent of how the sea glistens during golden hour along the Italian Riviera—if you know, you know!”
And it doesn’t end with the Riviera. The Favoriti Collezione goes for bold, both with its head-turning shades and evocative parole. “Ti Voglio,” “Principessa,” “Baci,” “Italiana,” and “Ti Voglio Bene” shimmer across clutches of glowing hot pink and dazzling cobalt blue, combining for the ultimate statement-maker.
For an emphasis on softness, the Bridal Collezione honors the new “Sposa” or “Fidanzata” in wedding white or delicate cream, sprinkling Italy to any wedding reception or bridal shower.
The sold-out Amalfi Collezione travels to another icon of the Italian coast. “Inspired by cascading colors, citrus, and the sea,” these clutches transport any outfit to Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, or Capri. Phrases like “Limoncello,” “Cin Cin,” and “Take Me to Amalfi” conjure the coast’s lemon-scented strade and jagged turquoise spiaggie.
Understated and elegant, CARINA blends la dolce vita through elevated self-expression—Italian style. Day or night, abroad or at home, each clutch, case, or wallet complements any style through the subtle sophistication of its Ligurian color scheme.
As for what’s next, Carlucci shared, “We love building our brand with our community and customers. We can’t wait to see where they take us next—you’ll have to stay tuned on social for more!”
For the latest from the Italian Riviera, follow CARINA on Instagram, @carinacompany.
Shop the collections online at shopcarina.com.
