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 know this isn’t vegan but there are some little farms around my area that have rescue sheeps. They farm the wool and make clothes out of it – the money from it goes to buy the sheep food and rescue more sheeps. It’s a great concept ?
I bought a pair of Kamik snow boots that were super warm and comfortable. Not sure if the whole brand is vegan but the boots I bought were. I live in Vermont during winter, and it’s very cold and snowy here.
Does anyone know of any good winter boots brands that are vegan? I am talking like real snow boots for heavy canadian winter haha thank you ?
Thank you so much!!! I eat vegan but not everything in my life is vegan yet… this helps!
This is so helpful. I do my best to purchase things from ethical fashion companies but it can be hard at times.
I would love to get some vegan leather purses, but they’re just too pricey for me.
We need more article like this. Seriously cannot believe you don’t have millions of followers but I can guarantee your blog will definitely blow up soon. Loved it xo
Is buying thrifted non vegan clothes okay? I have such mixed feelings because on one hand I think “well I’m not giving my money to that company and i might as well put this to use!” but on the other i think “how can this be vegan? i’m wearing a dead animal who was tortured for this!” what are your opinions!!?