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No animals were harmed in the making of these purses
[This story originally appeared in Koktail Magazine issue 2.]
When it comes to accessories, the demand for cruelty-free leather and other plant-based textiles has been on the rise in recent years. Usually made from synthetics, PU for instance, some of the more innovative leather alternatives these days have opted for natural materials like mushrooms, leaves or corks, which have a much lower impact on the environment. More than just a necessity for animal lovers, cruelty-free leather goods have their less ethical counterpart’s run for their money in terms of form and function. At Koktail, we’re all about brands that make us feel like a million bucks while eliminating harm in the process, so here are our picks of vegan handbags that will look good on you at no cost to the environment.
1/5 The Gabbi Bag, JW PEI
Launched in 2016 by a husband and wife duo, JW PEI is an LA-based brand that celebrates feminine beauty and strength through the idea that fashion should be accessible, effortless and empowering. Committed to creating cruelty-free accessories, JW PEI’s designs boast a modern, minimalist aesthetic with materials made from high-quality canvas, polyurethane and recycled plastic. If this is your first JW PEI purchase, we say go with the Gabbi. A throwback to the ‘90s with its silhouette and size, the purse comes in so many attractive colours, including lilac, grass green, ivory, rosy pink, and more.
2/5 The Isra Backpack, Borboleta
Portuguese for “butterfly”, Borboletas is a Thai brand that’s all about creating charming, lightweight accessories for the on-the-go lifestyle that are also respectful towards the environment and community. One of our favourites from Borboleta is the faux leather Isra Backpack with its signature Borboleta zip pullers, which gives the bag its elegant touch. Deceptively spacious, it can fit all your daily essentials, including your laptop. Not only are Barboleta bags cruelty-free, every purchase helps fund breakfast and educational programmes for underprivileged students in Thailand.
3/5 Rico Mini, Marhen.J
An eco-conscious designer brand from South Korea, Marhen.J uses a variety of materials, including apple leather, recycled nylon and canvas, to create its stylishly cruelty-free accessories. Lately, what has really shifted the brand into the spotlight are its unisex Roy, Rico, and Ricky bags, made of canvas. If you’re looking for a bag with a simple design that easily matches any outfit, go for the compact version of the best-selling Rico bag—the Rico Mini. You can style it as a tote, shoulder or cross-body bag to suit the occasion.
4/5 Box Vegan Crossbody Bag, Thamon
Originally established in London but now headquartered in Bangkok, Thamon makes its “leather” bags, incredibly, out of fallen leaves. The leaves are gathered by the local community, then dyed by hand and crafted into a durable material by proficient artisans. As each leaf is unique in shape, size, and pattern, no two of Thamon’s bags are identical. One Thamon must-have is the Box Vegan Crossbody Bag. Featuring an adjustable strap and six different colour options, the structured bag is perfect for holding your wallet, phone and keys. Apart from leaf leather, Thamon also uses cork leather for some of its product line.
5/5 Stella Logo Shoulder Bag, Stella McCartney
A wardrobe staple for ethical fashionistas, Stella McCartney has long been committed to sustainability, operating by a principle that centres around treating people, the planet and animals equally. The brand is always finding new ways to reduce its environmental impact, and one of its sustainable items people can’t seem to get enough of is the Stella Shoulder Bag. Made from recycled polyester and polyurethane, theis stylish faux leather handbag comes in 10 attractive tones.
