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“!
Do you think it’s okay to wear leather/suede shoes you already bought before going vegan?
so glad you guys chose this topic! i find it a really challenging issue…somehow far more complicated than avoiding animal products. still trying to research and learn more and think about what’s realistic for me in terms of clothing shopping in both the short & long term.
As a long-time vegan, these issues are quite important to me and to the planet. I’m thankful for the greater awareness I’ve seen in society about the treatment of animals and the people who produce fashion.
With animal agriculture, the planet also pays now. it’s a no win situation, as animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change. So, using “organic” material, aka animal skin, won’t do any good for the planet either. Mushroom leather for the win!
I also find it strange and it’s not like the animals are NOT paying for it – the plastic particles are often eaten by fish or birds who then die a really slow and painful death!
Thanks a lot for making this article for all the vegans out there. This was really helpful.
Thank you so much!! You don’t know how much I appreciate this post! I needed accessories for my sister’s wedding and I wanted to buy vegan ones but I didn’t know where to look. Definitely going to check out your suggestions. Thank you!!
It is such a shame. Hopefully one day all brands will be using ethical materials so we can waste all of our money lol 😀
I went into Kate Spade yesterday (at an outlet, so they had 20% off the 80% special they had) and there was a line that was bags and wallet designed in the shapes of camels. Its as adorable. I asked the worker if it was genuine leather and they said yes, that most things are. 🙁 It’s a shame that one material makes their items unusable for me. I guess I saved money by not buying but they also lost money.
I appreciate your support of ethical fashion and considering the workers as well as the material. Thank you.