Once a vegan, a bag review became necessary which revealed much leather in the form of zip tabs, patches and handles in  all to often otherwise fabric bags. With a final farewell, project clearout commenced and once completed with Ebay takings burning a whole in the back pocket a new and exciting challenge begun – the search for animal friendly bags from premium designers to fuel that bag enthusiasm.

Unfortunately the majority of ‘premium’ labels stick a bit of leather on even their fabric designs, although a completely leather free Prada was discovered at Koodos – on sale (obviously a sign it just had to be purchased!). There have been near misses with Vivienne Westwood, where after much email tooing and froing with the boutique it was confirmed that a rather cute mini tartan bag from the winter collection did indeed have a leather patch on the inside and a removable leather handle. The discovery therefore of LeSportsac can only be described as a godsend and also the start of a new obsession.

Feelgood handbags Visit Website

This is an online company which seeks out animal friendly suppliers and designers to supply their handbags.   All the bags and accessories on the site are vegan.  There are other vegan items such as shoes  and belts.  I would suggest checking the description and if you are unsure email to check.

Herve Chapelier  Visit website

Another brand very popular with the Japanese is Herve Chapelier. The shape of their signature bag is very distinctive (available in different sizes) with it’s simplistic styling and the two tone block colour combination options have been added to by patterned and even patent and camouflage alternatives. All the bags are made from nylon, most of them are vegan friendly but there are a few styles that have leather handles but this is listed in the description, enquire about specific items if in doubt.

Stockists: Buy online, Fenwick (New Bond St, London – email or call them beforehand to check they have what you want as they only have limited stock)

Also keep your eyes open for one-off’s. Mulberry has now twice produced handbag’s for GAPs Red AID’s awareness campaign. They reworked both their cult Roxanne and Bayswater bags in red and grey sweatshirt fabric – but be prepared to queue the Bayswater sold out in a few hours.

Incidentally Mulberry also released a number of their classic bags in denim last year.

LeSportsac  Visit website

Stella McCartney for Lesportsac

The brand is very popular amongst the Chinese and Japanese and the collection by Todikki was a huge hit . Other designers who have collaborated with the label are Gwen Steffani (LAMB) and Diane von Furstenberg, although the most notable would have to be Stella McCartney because of course she is a vegetarian and her own line of handbags are all leather free (she does sometimes use wool). Stella is now in her third season with LeSportsac and with her own bags a little out of most people’s price bracket, this can only be described as a match made in heaven.  A 4617 Canteen Bag from the 2008 winter collection made a very welcome addition to the new improved bag collection. While the entire classic collection is made from nylon, be weary of the collaborations since Todikki’s and LAMB’s both featured leather trim.

Unfortunately there is currently no shipping to the UK via the offical website (where you can also check out Stella’s latest spring collection), but you can find many items on Ebay. Generally with the classic collection you shouldn’t have to worry about fakes but apparently they are around. Selfridges used to stock it in the luggage department but they no longer appear to have a section since they had a big sale clear out in 2008.

Stockists: Items can easily be picked up in most Japanese department stores (should you happen to be in the area!) , the London branch of Mitsukoshi, of course there are a number of boutiques in the US, Ebay (try the US version of the site for a huge selection), and Stella’s collections for LeSportsac have previously been available in the UK via Matches and My Wardrobe

Lulu Guinness  Visit website

Another make to check out is Lulu Guinness, she does some super cute purses and handbags with quirky embroidered slogans and illustrations. Different fabrics are used across the collections including silk and leather (as well as man made satin, pvc and canvas) so please enquire about specific items.

Stockists: Check website for your nearest one

Lacoste  Visit website

Lacoste do ranges of bags made from nylon, check out this seasons designs on their website (under Leather Goods – don’t be put off!), hover over the design you are interested in and it will tell what material it is made from, you can then find your nearest store too.

Stockists: Check website for your nearest one

Paul’s Boutique  Visit website

Intially starting out customising military parkas and combat jackets Paul’s Boutique have now branched off into quirky handbags. No two bags will be the same individually being adorned with patches, charms and badges.

Stockists: ASOS, Cult, Selfridges, Topshop

If you are not into labels the high street is also a good place to look, shops like Dorothy Perkins, Next and Peacocks have plenty of options and it is now common place to label the materials. You can also try asking sale staff, but faux leather can often look so authentic it’s hard to tell the difference from the real thing. On fashion store ASOS you can browse the handbags by non leather and they have many brands as well as their own line of handbags.

Matt & Nat  Visit website

Should you wish to steer clear of companies that use leather all together MAtt & Nat are at the forefront of cruelty free equivalents to designer handbags. Wholeheartedly vegan they are determined to prove animal friendly can be fashionable too. Take a look at their divine metallic silver collection ‘Poole’ and while you’re on the site have a browse of their blog too.

Stockists: Buy online, The Natural Store, Nature’s Boutique

Nica  Visit website

Featuring ranges of bags made from soft faux leather and fabric, they update their bags and purses each season by releasing them in new colours.

Stockists: Check website for your nearest one

Neon Collective  Visit website

The New Consumer calls them ‘fashion focused’ and that they are, this is a seriously stylish online boutique stocking some of the best vegan designers.

Plum Ethical Visit website

An online bag shop specialising in leather free, eco friendly and recycled bags. Please contact them about vegan suitability.

 

THV Shopper Visit website

Don’t forget there are To Happy Vegan reusable shoppers, drop us an email if you are interested in buying one.

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