15 Vegan Handbags That Are as Chic as They Are Cruelty-Free
Oct 27, 2022
Fashioned from plastic substitutes and natural materials, vegan designer handbags have become a style staple for the new age. Designers like Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood have even given it the runway seal of approval. Its ethical appeal, polished design, and leather-likeness have turned this once-faux pas into a trend as in-demand as alternative milk. (We’ll have hazelnut, please.)
We understand that parting from your favorite investment bags from heritage brands is a lot to ask, but just hear us out.
Advertisement
What Are the Benefits of Vegan Handbags?
As per the name, the creation of vegan handbags doesn’t involve any harm to animals or the use of animal products. This means you can carry your evening clutch with confidence, knowing that the only thing you’re guilty of is sporting a fabulous outfit.
What’s more, vegan handbags can also benefit the environment in some ways. Reports show that faux-leather manufacturers produce a quarter of the CO2 emissions that their cattle-reliant competitors do. And while it’s presumed this reduction is balanced out in the manufacturing chain, vegan leather suppliers still use less water than rival retailers.
Advertisement
What’s the Difference Between Vegan Leather and Faux Leather?
The main difference between vegan leather and faux leather centers around how much plastic each material contains. Traditionally, as the original leather substitution, faux leather has higher quantities of polyurethane, a plastic compound championed by designers for its durable and malleable properties. But if you took Chemistry 101, you’ll know that plastic doesn’t decompose quickly (think Titanic’s Rose waiting 84 years), and this is where vegan leather comes in.
Made of cork, cactus, mushroom, and even pineapple, vegan leather is a greener alternative to its synthetic sister and one that more contemporary designers, like Telfar, are veering towards. Its organic composition means you can rest easy knowing that your old handbag won’t be contaminating the earth for years to come.
If that hasn’t sold you, we’re sure our edit will. Keep scrolling for our guide to the best luxury vegan handbags that will effortlessly take you from day to night—and everywhere in between.
