It's In The Bag: Luxury Handbag Brands to Invest In

If there is one piece for your wardrobe that is truly worth investing in, it's probably a bag. A good-quality handbag will stand the test of time, be resistant enough to deal with everyday life, and offer that touch of polish that will make your outfits really shine. With the right bag, the entire look will appear more pulled-together and on point. And today, vegans and sustainability-focused consumers no longer have to miss out, as ethically made plant leathers are readily available on the market.

By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist, and vegan fashion expert. 

What are the hallmarks of a good luxury vegan handbag? First of all, resistant materials: no flimsy PU, no risk of flaking within its first season. Look for cactus, grape or apple leather, all of which are very durable. Alternatively, explore plastic-free vegan leather Mirum, a friend to the environment as well as your wardrobe. Look for a sleek, simple design - a no-frills style will match effortlessly with any outfit and last through the years. Lastly, choose a colour that you won't get tired of. We're not saying you must stick to black, but this probably isn't a time for neons or quirky patterns. Pick a shade that speaks volumes without shouting, and wear it well for years to come. Here are some of our favourite brands to add to your wish list.

Melina Bucher

An innovator who dares to lead, German entrepreneur Melina Bucher has stood on the forefront of ethical fashion in more ways than one. From making plastic-free vegan accessories and championing new materials to starting her own vegan handbag atelier, Bucher's ethos and fearless vision leads the way for a brand that is surprisingly sleek for an activist label. But that's part of Bucher's vision. "We redefine luxury, one handbag at a time," she says about her brand. Her latest venture? Experimenting with ELEVATE, a new vegan leather from Uncaged Innovations. Shop Melina Bucher for creative shapes, pared-back hues, and undeniable quality.

Kaila Katherine

Entrepreneur Mikaila Roncevich is no stranger to high fashion - she completed a stint at Oscar De La Renta before starting her own label. The animal rights activist (she stopped eating meat in the third grade) mainly focuses on polished, high-end accessories in cactus leather for her luxury label. Roncevich's designs are all handmade in an atelier in Park Avenue, New York, to further adding to its eco credentials. Today, the Kaila Katherine brand is also working with Uncaged's innovative new plant-derived leather ELEVATE, leading the way for a new wave of material innovation. Whether you're in the market for a structured tote or a more relaxed shoulder bag, have a look at Kaila Katherine's sophisticated range.

MAISON ADMIRE

This Spanish brand isn't only big on innovative materials - MAISON ADMIRE takes innovation one step further by incorporating 3D printing into their design process.  Materials that feature in their ranges include apple leather from Uppeal; Seaqual's recycled plastic extracted from the sea; and 3D-printed PLA, a bio-based material made from corn, sugarcane, and tapioca roots. These bio-based materials are combined with a 3D-printing technology to create the bag handles. The results are fit for a royal: Queen Letizia of Spain has been seen carrying one of the brand's sculptural styles. Want a hint of that royal glamour for yourself? Get your hands on one of their much-coveted designs.

Ashoka Paris

That elusive French-girl chic is just around the corner with Ashoka Paris' plant-derived leather accessories. This Parisian label is dedicated to high-quality vegan design and manufacturing: their vegan collections are designed in Paris, and they work with some of the best manufacturers of vegan leather based in Italy. Shoulder bags, wallets, totes, and an array of consciously made accessories make up this brand's exquisitely crafted, planet-friendly designs.

Miomojo

From proudly proclaiming that their bags are "Made from Apples" or "Made from Bamboo" to collaborating with animal rights organisations, Italian accessory label Miomojo have always worn their heart on their sleeve when it comes to their vegan ethics. Creating a vast range of accessories for daytime as well as evening, they have also masterminded collections for Italian football teams as well as offering their goods to Emmy nominees as the only vegan brand in the Green Room at the 2025 event. Peruse their range for innovative yet sleek cross-body styles, practical backpacks, and totes with a message.

Biayna

Biayna Ohaynan wishes to see fashion move away from mass-production - and her architecturally infused vegan accessories represent a departure from fast fashion in every way. Working primarily with cactus leather, the San Francisco entrepreneur infuses her designs with artistry and artisanship. For a unique accessory that will set your look apart and be a conversation starter, look no further.

Thalie

Get ready for party time with Thalie's offering of sparkly, embellished clutches and pouches. Sleek yet sophisticated day-to-night bags in cactus leather and sparkly purses that add shimmer to after-dark outfits set this brand apart from more minimalist offerings: a wallflower's bag brand this is not. Dress up an evening ensemble with a diamantè-encrusted clutch in an unusual shape, or sprinkle full-on glitter on your look with a silver-toned purse. 

Eslla

The name ESLLA stands for Ethically Sourced Luxury Leather Alternatives – and that is exactly what this brand offers with its timeless, eye-catching designs. Using quality vegan leathers and organic materials, ESLLA offers a savvy solution to both fast fashion and the damaging leather industry. Cactus leather is a common feature, as are thick chain details that add edge. From oversize totes to structured clutches, this vegan label is worth checking out if you're looking for a statement piece that will be both long-lasting and unique

By Sascha Camilli

About Sascha

Sascha Camilli is a vegan fashion writer, speaker and activist. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books. For more about Sascha, you can read our interview with her or read her newsletter Kind Of Wild. You can also follow her on Instagram.

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