With hundreds of sustainable collections out there, it’s a conscious fashion-lovers paradise, and the only thing that can top a fab eco-friendly dress is a vegan accessory.
Anyone that knows me knows that I’m an accessories junkie with a handbag collection to rival any Kardashian, but I’m also an avid animal lover and progressing vegan. The hardest part of finding a vegan line to covet is getting the same quality and construction you’d find in mainstream lines. Luckily, high-end brands are evolving and here are four of our favorites to satisfy your conscience and closet:
Jill Milan
Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway and Kerry Washington have all sported Jill Milan bags. It’s the luxurious Italian fabrics and simple design that’s garnered an A-list following, along with my own devotion. What I love most is that each bag is handmade using all-natural and animal free fabrics like velvet and the softest faux leather.
The most famous piece of the collection is the gold Art Deco clutch, a great example of how vegan accessories can outshine any standard luxury piece. At $1700, it’s an investment piece but one that will more than pay for itself over time, with every wedding, holiday party and formal event you’ll attend.
If you’re looking for an everyday piece – and something completely on-trend with this season’s bucket bag obsession – check out the $500 gold SoMa Punching Bag. I have a similar metallic handbag that matches every outfit and is particularly great for travelling – one bag and done!
Matt and Nat
I’d like to say that I discovered Matt and Nat because I was among the first cult followers of the Montreal-based vegan handbag brand …but even if I didn’t quite discover them I do have a series of bags from their very first collection to boast about.
From that first collection to today, the brand has been synonymous with trend-setting cruelty free accessories.
Some pieces in the collection are bright and bold but the overall designs are classic – think structured bowling bags and functional totes. It’s the clean lines and quality design that makes every season’s collection a lasting one – my first collection handbags garner as much praise as the new Kite bag.
The newly launched Cork Collection offers standout pieces made of natural cork, inside and out. The finished look is a little uneven, a little wild and definitely a conversation piece. Try the cork backpack to turn an everyday essential into a fashion statement.
Stella McCartney
Long before it was cool to be cruelty free, design icon Stella McCartney was designing vegan accessories for the fashion elite. When she launched her own collection in 2001, it was completely free of leather and fur, and it still is, making her line stand out from other high-fashion labels.
Her collection has always had a sporty feel (and not just because she designs for Adidas!) but unique style elements are in every piece. I’m currently obsessed with her vegan shoe collection, including her gladiator-inspired wedge sandals and metallic high heels.
If you’re going to splurge on just one pair of Stella McCartney shoes, it has to be the essential black pump. There are several variations on the classic to choose from, each with a different heel height and style element like peek-a-boo mesh and shiny patent leather. Whichever pump you pick it will be your go-to vegan accessory with a designer label to boot.
NOAH
With luxury in mind, NOAH Italian vegan shoes are made in limited quantities, by hand, with amazing attention to detail. The collection has received recognition from PETA, and gotten the Green Product Award, among others, thanks to its use of sustainable animal-free fabrics and commitment to fair working conditions.
With all this good Karma it’s easy to fall for one of NOAH’s designs, each an ode to classic Italian extravagance. The oxford ribbon lace-ups and stylish flats had me hooked before I even realized how much buzz the brand was getting.
Don’t let the practicality fool you, there’s red patent pumps and high-heeled booties for a dash of vegan sex-appeal. My suggestion is to pick one everyday pair and another that defines your “Dolce Vita“!
Stella Mccartney has really cute designs. The pic you had there caught my eye and I was like: “This is so me!” ?
Those are pretty vegan shoes by Noah. It’s not exactly my style but I do think my sister would love this one. We’re both vegan and our usual problem with vegan brands is that the style isn’t very innovative and up to date. We appreciate recommendations that are really fashion forward and can cater to women who are within the age range of 20-30. I really appreciate the suggestions you made here! I’m going to look into those brands and purchase more of our clothes, shoes and bags from them.
Noah’s shoes are very finely-detailed and I adore it so much! I’m planning on buying two but I have three choices. I can’t choose!!!
Why not buy all of the 3? I have Noah shoes and they last long. Great quality and design as always.
I dislike Jill Milan’s site, it looks too plain and the products don’t look too appealing. I don’t know, it just doesn’t make me want to buy it.
I was never a fan of leather anyway. It’s not very hard to find vegan fashion staples nowadays.
That Cork bag from Matt and Nat is actually nice. My boyfriend actually likes the Munich one. I like edgy looking bags/purses like this. I checked their website and I really think their bags look unique and can be used with different outfits and different occassions. I don’t always try to mind if my bags are vegan, but it’s good to know that it’s made from sustainable materials and not from animals. Companies should really step up their game with the materials that they use.
I was actually thinking if it would also look okay for men because my husband was eyeing it too!
All of these are very flattering for women of any age. I love buying things like that because it’s very timeless and could never be out of trend.
Jill Milan looks so fancy. They look almost a little like YSL but not really. I would really want one for myself.
I didn’t know that Stella McCartney is vegan. I actually have a lot from their collections and they’re very hip and stylish. Most of my favorite clothing in my closet is from Stella. I also have a couple of shoes from them and they’re really nice looking. I’m not vegan but I’m very conscious about my choices in puchasing clothing and food. If I can’t fully switch to a vegan lifestyle, I could at least make 6 out of 10 of the things I eat and use good for the environment.
That’s actually a good start. As long as you’re making an effort, that’s good enough and it’s better than nothing.
I don’t care if these bags are vegan or not because they’re really pretty anyway.