The Spring Vegan Handbag Edit
Spring is a great time to review your handbag wardrobe and assess the need for any adjustments. As vegan fashion continues to become more and more widely available, vegan bags are among the most popular areas of this market. Choosing to ditch leather is a conscious, climate-aware decision: as it's part of animal agriculture, leather is a significant contributor to global warming and a major villain in fashion's role in the climate crisis. Leather is also an industry that takes over one billion animal lives every year.
By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist and vegan fashion expert.
Luckily, we live in a time when buying a handbag no longer means have to choose between wearing a cow's skin or instead opting for lumpy, shapeless canvas totes with a floral print – today's vegan fashion brands lend as much attention to style as they do sustainability, offering collections that reach coveted status for their design as much as their ethics.
The everyday vegan tote: Ashoka Paris Jolly Apple Skin Vegan Leather Tote Black
Sleek and spacious, this vegan tote is made Apple Skin, an eco-friendy vegan leather made from apple waste. Whatever the day brings your way, this bag can stand – and fit – absolutely anything that modern life throws at us. A lifesaver for busy days.
Wear it with...a crisp, oversized white shirt and boyfriend jeans.
The luxury piece: Ask Scandinavia Clover Mirum Vegan Leather Saddle Bag Walnut
With a sumptuous design and a soft, luxurious feel, Ask Scandinavia's Clover bag will become that piece you reach for on special occasions. This bag is made from the new plastic-free vegan leather Mirum, making it the best possible option for the environment - and its easy-to-match hue will allow it to elevate any look in your wardrobe.
Wear it with...a trench coat and wide-leg jeans.
The vegan backpack: LaBante London Camberwell Quilted Vegan Leather Backpack
On those days when you just can't be bothered to use your hands, toss your essentials into this quilted backpack crafted from plant by-products and lined with a fabric that consists of recycled plastic bottles.
Wear it with...a relaxed jumpsuit and vegan trainers.
The vegan statement piece: FRIDA ROME WEEK/END
Consider yourself lucky if you can get hold of this one. After appearing on BBC's Dragons' Den (and successfully securing investment), the founders of FRIDA ROME can't seem to hang on to one of their vegan WEEK/END bags in cactus leather from Desserto – the coolest new kid on the block when it comes to vegan materials.
Wear it with...black trousers and a sharp blazer.
The vegan saddle bag: Miomojo Iris Apple Leather Vegan Mini Saddle Bag Red
A pop of colour to cheer up your spring looks. With this vibrant design, Miomojo has created a perfect piece that will take you from weekend brunch to Saturday night out. This saddle style is made from apple waste and lined with recycled plastic bottles.
Wear it with...black jeans and a biker jacket.
The office piece: Melina Bucher Bailey Mirum Vegan Leather Handbag Cognac
Coming into the office is such a rare occurrence these days that when you do, you might want to make it special. Team your best nine-to-five outfit with this structured vegan handbag from Melina Bucher – its gold-toned hardware and sleek shade makes it subtly stand out without overpowering your look. For eco credentials, this bag is crafted with plastic-free vegan leather Mirum.
Wear it with...a puff-sleeve blouse and polished straight-leg trousers.
The colourful one: Mela Luna Apple Leather Vegan Shoulder Bag Zest
Add a playful pop of colour to your outfit with Mela's statement-making vegan bucket bag made from apple leather. A conversation starter as well as a quick way to add interest to your look.
Wear it with...all black.
The vegan evening clutch: Thalie Cleo Mini Strass Vegan Bag Black
There are times when nothing except high-octane glamour will do, and that's when this embellished vegan clutch from Thalie will make an elegant entrance. This design, made in Italy with responsibly sourced gemstones, will add sparkle to any after-dark ensemble, while not contributing to cruelty to animals or environmental destruction. So you can party with a clean conscience.
Wear it with...your favourite party dress.
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. You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Cover image by Minuit sur Terre
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