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“!
I’ve felt so much guilt of not being able to afford ethical clothing. I do want to note though that I took a tour of Goodwill, and they pride themselves on becoming as close as possible to zero waste. They partner with local charities, repair ripped clothing, upcycle glass, etc. This is at least the case at the main intake center here in Las Vegas
so do sheep feel pain when they remove the wool? Im just curios, I have never heard or seen someone kill or hurt a sheep when removing their wool.
This is the most comprehensive vegan fashion article I have ever read. Thank you so much for it!!
Do you use any hair extensions? If so, are they human hair or synthetic? I’m looking for good synthetic hair??
Great round up! Love them all! You should try the brand armedangels! They are fair trade, mostly vegan and I think the prices are very reasonably and the clothing is actually quite fashionably 😀
All of your recommendations are gorgeous. I love that more brands have lot of vegan options these days! ?
Great piece! ‘The True Cost’ on Netflix is a great documentary to watch about the importance of ethical clothing. It really tied everything together for me about the importance of not buying fast fashion.
I have been working more on where I buy my clothes since I have been getting more comfortable with buying vegan makeup. Food is really easy now since I first started (almost two years ago) so I am also looking into other areas to see what I can improve now.
Your blog has really inspired me to become vegan and it really opened my eyes. Continue whatever you’re doing as long as you’re happy 😀
Singaporean brand charles & keith don’t advertise themselves as vegan, but they have lots of non-leather bags. They have really cute styles, good quality and fairly affordable! You should check them out too!!