Credit: Marici
Stylist Loves
Embrace Veganuary with these chic vegan leather bags you’ll want to wear all year round
3 years ago
1 min read
These vegan handbags are just as premium and stylish as their real leather counterparts.
There was a moment in time when ‘vegan’ and ‘style’ was a contradiction in terms, and those looking to make cruelty-free fashion choices were left with a selection of canvas bags, canvas bags and yes, you guessed it, more canvas bags.
When it came to choosing a luxurious love-forever bag, finding a faux-leather style was virtually impossible. But those days are well and truly over. Vegan fashion is thriving, and there are now so many amazing brands that create real leather alternatives.
Powerhouse brands like Chanel, Gucci, Burberry and Versace are no longer working with exotic animal skins and a whole host of luxury labels are producing fashion-forward accessories that are completely cruelty-free.
Credit: Stella McCartney
Some of fashion’s most prolific, most desired brands like Stella McCartney and Nanushka are taking that ethos a step further. Nanushka only offers its sell-out designs in vegan leather options, while Stella McCartney, a brand that has never used leather, launched the sleek news S-Wave style a couple of months ago that is made using grape waste.
And now London-label Marici is the first fully plant-based luxury accessory label in the UK, creating the most beautiful bags from Piñatex, pineapple off-cuts sourced directly from farmers.
So, whether you’ve been plant-based for a number of years, you’re taking part in Veganuary or you just want this to be your most sustainable year yet, Stylist has rounded up the vegan leather bags that look and feel every bit as luxurious as the real deal.
Mashu Philippa 2
If you need further proof that vegan bags have come a long way, just take a peek at Mashu. Founded in 2017 by a Greek designer, the attention to detail of each piece is what makes them a cut above the rest. And each style prioritises organic, recycled, circular and cruelty-free materials to make sure they’re 100% vegan.
Marici The South Ken blush bag
Creating its premium bag styles from pineapple waste, Marici designs bags you’ll want to love forever. The upcycled bags are even numbered and signed by the artisans who spent time making it for an extra special touch. The label has an upcoming edit with Selfridges later this month too, so watch this space!
Matt & Nat Mavi backpack
In need of a new work bag? Matt & Nat’s vegan leather backpack is big enough for a 13” laptop plus all your other everyday essentials. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and also comes in black, burgundy and khaki.
Poppy Lissiman Pippen bag
If you’re looking for a cool label, look no further than Poppy Lissiman. Worn by Bella and Gigi Hadid (to name but a few celebrity fans), the brand creates trend-led accessories which also have sustainability at the forefront of design. This 90s shoulder bag is made from vegan materials including recycled plastic bottles that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
Stone & Mason The Ricky bag
Made from recycled vegan leather with a recycled cotton lining, ‘The Ricky’ bag by Stone & Mason is style so good, it comes in four other colours. Each bag also comes with handy handbag essentials including a pen, lip balm and spare hair tie – so handy!
Stella McCartney S-Wave monogram bag
Driver of sustainability within the luxury sector, Stella McCartney is renowned for making more planet-friendly fashion. The latest designer bag is the S-Wave, and its sleek design is made from a cruelty-free leather using grape waste – yes, really.
Nanushka The Origami tote
If you’re after a carry-everything bag, Nanushka’s tote is the answer. The stylish contrast stitching is what will elevate all your outfits, and the Budapest brand is known for creating some of the best vegan leather pieces around so you can rest assured you’re making a wise investment.
JW Pei Ruby shoulder bag
Celebrity-loved label JW Pei is a go-to for affordable vegan bags with an edge. Each design is fun with a designer feel but a high-street price tag, and all styles cost under £140.
Images: courtesy of brands
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