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“!
We don’t want animals to be killed or exploited for human use (food, fashion, etc..). This is my goal as vegan and my priority. I’m happy when my omnivore friends tell me they have reduced just red meat consumption for example. Anything is a good step forward. We need to focus on better alternatives, definitely, but in the meantime, let’s not sacrifice innocent animals. This is my point of view anyway.
Check out the “Thought For Food” podcast. Revolves around veganism and interviews with doctors who recommend plant based diets for a variety of health issues. Sounds up your alley. 🙂
Here are some more brands you can ethically shop: Jan’n’June, peopletree, ASOS greenroom, 2nd Handshops, mat&natt, Armdangels, Wunderwerk.
This is great! As a minimalist, I only buy second hand but this is great advice! Save the bunnies ?❤️and all the other animals brutally massacred and mutilated just for “fashion” (and “beauty” products!). Love your blog.
Im not vegan. I’m a vegetarian, but i don’t wear or like people who wear fur and leather (not that i can afford it really) GUESS I AM A CHEGAN
thanks for the info on ethical fashion.. I searched for some more info on ethical fashion after watching true cost on netflix and you are an inspiration! keep doing your thing!
I always found odd that vegan option for sustainable consuming was wearing non biodegradable materials, thank you for presenting much more eco-friendly alternatives.
Great piece! I have the same approach. I live as zero-waste as possible, so whenever I have to buy “plastic” clothing I remind myself of how little I use in my everyday life. And if there are ethical, sustainable vegan options, I opt for those.
Veganism to me is trying to do the LEAST amount of harm possible. Every little ounce of effort can make even the smallest difference… and that’s okay!
hey! i’m obviously not her, but i think it’s okay because the damage it’s already done, you know? the demand has been caused and the company has made money over animal suffering. so when you become vegan you can either continue using it, pass it to friends or family, or donate it to charity. i wouldn’t sell it, cause in my opinion it would, somehow, perpetuate the idea that we can profit from animal exploitation