Following our recent article on vegan shoes, if you’re looking for a funky addition in the form of a vegan bag or wallet, then look no further! We round up some of the best vegan bags and wallets available in the UK.
So Long Marianne
£££
Inspired by a Leonard Cohen song, So Long Marianne are a luxury vegan handbag brand who want to “put the femininity back into feminism, to advocate for class and beauty and for women to feel strong and sexy while being comfortable in showing their fair and soft side”.
So Long Marianne’s Camargue Collection is inspired by Europe’s most beautiful and romantic destinations and the brand has the essence of historical femininity in a classic style with a contemporary twist. PETA-approved, their bags are entirely vegan and cruelty free.
Stella McCartney
http://www.stellamccartney.com/gb
£££
Stella McCartney is a British born powerhouse designer who has specialised in ‘sustainable luxury fashion’ since the inception of her brand in 2001. Her bags and wallets are sold in exclusive designer department stores around the world. As a lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney doesn’t use any leather or fur in her designs; and her collections include women’s and men’s bags and accessories, amongst others. In Winter 2010 she introduced the Falabella handbag, which has since become an iconic item for fashionistas everywhere. For men there is a smaller range of Nylon backpacks and cotton tote bags, as well as wallets, socks, scarves and shoes.
Susie Faulks
£-££
Susie Faulks designs textile based bags and wallets using her own patterns. The textile prints are inspired by the beauty of the Stroud Valleys, and are designed digitally then printed onto high quality linen cloth and coated in fabric. All of Susie’s bags and are either made by herself, or in a small factory in England.
Susie Faulks has always been a dedicated animal lover and no animal products are used in any of her designs. Her products are all PETA approved.
Matt and Nat
££
Matt and Nat – Mat(t)erial and Nature – began in 1995, in Canada. The company are committed to not using leather or any other animal-based materials in their designs. Instead they use their own signature vegan leathers and eco-friendly materials, such as recycled nylon, cork and rubber.
Matt and Nat excel at creating sleek, modern and minimalist designs, many of which are naturally unisex. For women – alongside accessories – you will find seventeen different categories of bags: ranging from satchels and backpacks, to cross-body and weekend bags. Men are also well catered for with backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags and light-weight totes; as well as wallets across the range.
Wilby
£-££
Wilby was created in 2013 as a vegan fashion range specialising in clutch bags. All of their products are animal free, but are also certified as ‘eco-sensitive’ and ‘environmentally aware’. The brand now sells handbags of various styles and sizes, all of which are modern, minimalist and cool. The most sustainable of their bags is made with 55% Hemp and 45% organic cotton. The brand is PETA approved and based in the London neighbourhood of Chelsea. Wilby firmly celebrates everything British, both in their craftsmanship, but also by using British celebrity Meg Mathews in a recent collaboration. The brand may have a growing celebrity following, but they keep prices fair starting from £50 upwards.
LaBante London
£-££
LaBante London were established in 2009 and the company produces women’s bags and accessories with an ethos of ‘Fashion With Respect.’ Their products are not only vegan and PETA approved, but are also environmentally friendly and ethically produced. Made from recycled plastic bottles, they’re sustainable too. LaBante want to give consumers the experience of luxury, high-end fashion at affordable prices. The style of LaBante is similar to River Island, so expect a young and ‘on trend’ ascetic with features such as: chains, bows, metal accents, and geometric shapes; all in a range of colours and designs.
Corkor
££
Corkor specialises in manufacturing unique vegan products, such as handbags, wallets, purses and accessories for men and women. No fur, wool, exotic skin or other animal-derived fabric is used; and the company is PETA approved. The range is handmade in Portugal by local artisans, which ensures that a high level of manufacturing quality is used. Corkor state they are “very proud to be a socially conscious and ethical brand, only using animal free materials.”
Alexandra K
££
Alexandra K (named after the founder Alexandra Kościkiewicz) is a Polish vegan luxury bag and accessories brand. Their philosophy centres around the belief that no animal should give their life for the sake of fashion. They have never used leather, skins, feathers or fur in any of their products, collaborations, or licensed products. Their decision to support vegan fashion is one that the brand stands behind both ethically and environmentally. Alexandra K is one of the first vegan fashion bands to stock the exciting new imitation leather ‘Pinatex’, which is made from the dried fibres of pineapple leaves.
Poppy Lissiman
££
Poppy Lissiman is an Australian designer who started her label in 2008 and opened her first store in 2011. In 2014 Poppy launched her first e-commerce store, which is now the only location where you can purchase her uniquely crafted pieces.
Poppy Lissiman designs are handmade and high-quality, her designs are eye catching and always unique. All Poppy’s bags and accessories are proudly made using only vegan, faux leather, meaning that they are cruelty free. Poppy’s aim from day one was to make pieces which not only look and feel high end, but are also ethically produced too.
Recommendations for Vegan Bag Decorations
As more and more people become vegan (or are vegan-curious), understanding which gifts align with vegan values, why your loved one is vegan, and their preferences and hobbies is key.
It is also important to understand that veganism is not just a diet. It’s a way of life. Some vegans switch for environmental reasons, others for health reasons, and many for animals. That means, healthy, eco-friendly and ethical gifts are best for vegans.
Not only will custom pins and embroidery ‘wow’ that special vegan in your life, but they really would make a special gift for anyone, vegan or not! They can be personalised with favourite vegan slogans and phrases, which means that the pins and custom patches not only look great on bags and jackets, but spread a very important message too! Go Website to design your own.
Article by Laura from L. Mira.
