Oscar-Winning Director Emerald Fennell Gifted Haworth Brontë Tote Bag

Imagine bumping into an Oscar-winning director on the cobbled streets of a famous Yorkshire village. It actually happened in Haworth, the town known for being the home of the legendary Brontë sisters. Last year, the brilliant writer and director Emerald Fennell was in town for the Women in Writing Festival, as well as to film the upcoming Wuthering Heights film and left with a seriously cool souvenir. It wasn't just any old magnet or postcard; it was a Brontë-inspired tote bag that perfectly captures the moody, creative spirit of the area. But this tote bag is just the start of the story, linking a famous filmmaker to a fantastic local event that’s making a comeback: the Haworth & Yorkshire Creatives Makers Market.

A tote bag fit for an Oscar winner

When you've won an Academy Award, you probably get a lot of free stuff. But the gift that Emerald Fennell received during her visit to Haworth seems to have genuinely hit the mark. The director, known for her sharp and clever films, was presented with a unique tote from a local collection called Brontë Bitch. And she loved it. This isn't just any tote bag. It's a statement piece, a nod to the rebellious and brilliant literary family who made the village of Haworth famous worldwide. The tote is part of a whole range celebrating not just the iconic Brontë sisters, but also their talented and troubled brother, Branwell. The brand draws its inspiration from the wild landscape of Top Withens and the dramatic tales spun within these moors, creating something that feels both historic and incredibly modern. The gift was a perfect match for a guest of the Women in Writing Festival, an event celebrating powerful creative voices.

What's the story behind Brontë Bitch?

So, what exactly is this brand that’s now got an Oscar-winning seal of approval? Brontë Bitch is an independent collection born right in Haworth, created by the visionary Rosalia Ferrara. The idea was to capture the raw, passionate, and sometimes fierce spirit of the Brontës and their work. Think less stuffy museum gift shop and more cool, indie brand. The entire range features striking black-and-white illustrations combined with memorable literary quotes. It’s a stylish way to show off a love for classic literature.

The collection goes beyond just the popular tote bags. Fans can also get their hands on a variety of other items, all with the same distinctive look. There are T-shirts for wearing your literary heart on your sleeve, tea towels to add a bit of drama to the washing up, and greeting cards that are way more interesting than anything you’d find in a supermarket. Every piece, from the tote bags to the T-shirts, feels like a piece of wearable art, connecting the owner back to the windswept moors of Yorkshire and the incredible stories of the Brontë sisters.

More than a brand, it’s a creative community

The story gets even better. The creative mind behind the Brontë Bitch brand, Rosalia Ferrara, is also the founder of the Haworth & Yorkshire Creatives Makers Market. This isn't just a market; it's a celebration of local talent. It’s what’s known as a grassroots event, meaning it started from the ground up with a real passion for supporting the community. The market brings together a fantastic mix of independent artists, clever designers, and skilled makers from all over the beautiful county of Yorkshire. And it’s not just about crafts. The event also showcases some of the region’s best independent food producers, so you can grab a tasty treat while you browse.

The whole point of the Haworth & Yorkshire Creatives event is to give these talented people a place to shine and to bring more visitors into the historic village. It’s a brilliant idea that supports small businesses and gives people a chance to buy something truly unique, made with real care and skill. It’s the perfect antidote to boring high-street shopping. The makers market is a fantastic day out, whether you're a local or just visiting Yorkshire for the weekend.

Where to find these creative treasures and when to visit

If you want to get your hands on some Brontë Bitch merchandise, you have a few options. The products are sold at a local shop at 100 Main Street, Haworth, a perfect spot to visit while exploring the village. But for the full experience, the best place to find them is at the Haworth & Yorkshire Creatives Makers Market. The market has a very special home: the Old School Room on Church Street. This historic building is located directly opposite the world-famous Brontë Parsonage Museum, so you can soak up some literary history before or after you shop. It’s the perfect setting for an event that celebrates both the past and the present of Haworth’s creative spirit.

The makers market is returning this year with a series of weekend events running from March through to November. This gives everyone plenty of opportunities to plan a visit. Here are the dates for your diary:

• 28–29 March

• 11–12 April

• 23–24 May

• 27–28 June

• 19–20 September

• 24–25 October

• 28–29 November

Each market weekend held at the Old School Room offers a chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, and find something special that you won’t see anywhere else. From a Brontë-inspired tote to handmade jewellery and delicious local food, it’s a showcase of the best of Yorkshire’s independent artists and food producers.