With sustainability becoming increasingly top of mind for many, there has been an uptick in vegan brands and designs. I gave up eating meat two years ago and try to eat a fully vegan diet as often as possible. Yes, I realize the fact that my obsession with designer handbags and my buying leather goods means I cannot ever be a true vegan (and many people may deem me a hypocrite), but the fact that I eat a plant based diet remains and I try to do my part where I can.
If I am being 100% honest, I don’t know that I will ever eliminate leather handbags from my life entirely, they have been a source of passion and joy for me for the majority of my life. I’m not writing off leather bags any time soon, I don’t even want to, but I certainly have been making a conscious effort to add more vegan handbags to my collection or buy my handbags secondhand. Luckily for me and other plant based consumers, vegan fashion brands are on the rise and there is a bigger selection than ever at every price point. Stella McCartney continues to be one of my favorite vegan brands, I am always keeping my finger on the pulse of her company.
I also would like to encourage more designers to integrate vegan designs into their brands for those who do choose to adopt a vegan lifestyle (for whatever personal reason that may be).
I’ve rounded up my top picks of vegan bags that are available right now. The price points are amazing, so whether you are vegan or not, these bags are worth a look!
Friday By JW Pei The Envelope Chain Crossbody ($69)
Angela Roi Hamilton Satchel ($235)
Mali + Lili Julia Vegan Leather Canteen Minaudière ($68)
Alexandra K Hope Mini Bag ($259)
Stella McCartney Falabella Shaggy Deer East-West Tote Bag ($1,265)
Urban Originals Iconic Love Croc Embossed Vegan Leather Tote ($98)
Jill Milan Hollywood Hills Crossbody ($450)
Stella McCartney Eco Soft Flap Shoulder Bag ($730)
Corkor Mini Crossbody Bag ($99.50)
JW Pei Josie Bucket Bag ($69)
It’s so sad that PurseBlog readers automatically slam vegan leathers without knowing anything about the brands. For example, one of the brands above uses biodegradable corn and apple “leather” produced using less water. There’s no need to cling on to old fashioned notions of leather and faux leather, just to feel better about your bag-buying habits. I’ve been reading PB for years and I’ve noticed a lot of the readers lean on the side of close-minded. I’m not vegan or even vegetarian, but at least I can acknowledge that technology is advancing and that there are better ways to shop.
What “brand above uses biodegradable corn and apple “leather” and less water”? Thx!
Alexandra K (corn, grape, and apple) Senreve (cactus), Angela Roi (cactus)
There are a lot of pros and cons associated with vegan handbags, I’m stuck somewhere in the middle.
Define “sustainable”. Aren’t “vegan” bags essentially plastic bags? How is that sustainable?
It’s far more sustainable to purchase a pre owned leather bag than buy a pvc “vegan” handbag new.
These are essentially plastic bags that are also priced the same way leather bags are. Everybody is free to buy what they desire but there is a bit of hypocrisy in saying plastic bags are better for the environment.
THANK YOU! “Sustainable” does not mean the product or the manufacturing process lowers your carbon footprint.
I’m not sure that these are better for the environment, due to the way they are manufactured, and the byproducts that filter into the environment. Everyone should do their own research and make the most responsible decision for themselves.
The blue cork is really pretty.
Never buy a Vegan leather Bag, especially if the price is higher than real Leather. Very sorry but real Leather usually have a better quality and better quality means better long term usage. Comparing the veggie based bag or even plastic bag, leather is more durable and can be use for a long time.
I own a Stella McCartney crossbody, which I love, but I also have an old Deux Luxe bag that has been a go-to bad weather bag for years, this is often a great benefit of many vegan bags (though not all are truly waterproof or washable, lots are). An interesting handbag collection has, in my opinion, VARIETY. While I love my leather and suede bags, I also have a handful of acrylic clutches, some straw bags, and some fabric. I think a broad range of materials have a place in any handbag closet!
My top picks is the Studded Women’s Bag.
Thanks for the wonderful blog.
Vintage shoulder bag