11 Fashionable, Sustainable And Vegan Bag Brands
You don't need to break the bank to be sustainable – some of these brands are affordable as well
Over the years, there has been rising awareness about social and environmental issues in fashion. But in 2020, it's becoming apparent that more consumers are calling for ethical and sustainable practices in the brands they want to support. The future of fashion seems optimistic as brands respond to consumer's demands, and adopt transparency and responsible practices.
Vegan fashion uses alternatives to leather, fur, silk, cashmere, wool and other animal-based textiles when creating products. Not only does veganism directly protect animal welfare, but it also helps to reduce toxic chemicals, greenhouse gases and other resources that harm the environment. With that said, not all vegan fashion is eco-friendly.
The production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) contributes to global warming. A greener alternative is to look for brands that use PU (polyurethane), another artificial leather that is more eco-friendly. Non-organic cotton can also see an excessive amount of water consumption during its production, so it’s important to keep an eye out for brands that source organic cotton in order to leave a favourable impact on the earth.
Steering the ethical wheel at the vanguard, a crop of under-the-radar vegan handbag brands are fully committed to protecting nature while consciously creating artisanal designs made from premium or unconventional textile and materials. These cruelty-free brands, such as JW Pei and Angela Roi employ eco-friendly vegan leather and organic natural fabrics when crafting their thoughtful and contemporary designs.
If you’re looking for a luxurious handbag that can pass off as designer-status without the hefty price tag, these vegan brands fit the bill. It’s time to get acquainted with the most stylish vegan bag brands in the market right now.
Being sustainable is not just about being vegan – it extends to reduce waste. Enter Prada Re-Nylon, which was first launched in 2019 with a capsule bag collection. This time round, it offers ready-to-wear, accessories and, of course, bags. What’s different about this collection is that the whole collection is crafted from a regenerated nylon that is created through the recycling and purification of plastic collected from oceans, fishing nets, landfills and textile fibre waste globally. Which means, what you’re carrying is akin to waste that would otherwise harm the animals (and humans), repurposed into a bag you can carry for a long time.
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Functional and fashion-forward, HOZEN redefines the vegan fashion industry by going above and beyond in its efforts to be a sustainable, earth-loving brand. The Los Angeles-based label uses premium organic cotton, eco-friendly Italian vegan leather, vegan glue and even 100% upcycled plastic for its zippers and thread. To add, 10% of every purchase made is donated to Mercy for Animals, a non-profit organisation working to prevent cruelty towards animals. Minimal silhouettes, bold punchy colours and creative elements (such as a scrunchie shoulder strap) are all hallmarks of the brand. One of the brand’s best-selling pieces is the Canteen Bag (US$300), a quirky circular-shaped wristlet framed by quirky tubular pipings. For a classic tote you can haul for any occasion, look to the Lady Purse (US$290).
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