From breakout new brands to old favourites, shopping for a new season vegan bag never felt this good.
There was a moment in time when ’vegan’ and ‘style’ was a contradiction in terms, and those looking to make cruelty-free fashion choices were left with a selection of canvas bags, canvas bags and yes, you guessed it, more canvas bags. When it came to choosing a luxurious love-forever bag, finding a faux-leather style was virtually impossible. But those days are well and truly over. Vegan style has never been more influential and in 2020 fashion brands have taken heed.
Powerhouse brands like Chanel, Gucci, Burberry and Versace are no longer working with exotic animal skins and a whole host of luxury labels are producing chic, fashion-forward accessories that are completely cruelty free.
Some of fashion’s most prolific, most desired brands like Stella McCartney and Nanushka are taking that ethos a step further by only offering their sell-out designs in vegan leather options.
So, whether you’ve been plant-based for a number of years, or have resolved to make 2020 your most sustainable (and stylish) year yet, Stylist has rounded up the vegan leather bags that look and feel every bit as luxurious as the real deal.
JW Pei shoulder bag
Introducing the chic tan handbag that you’ll be wearing all summer long. The vintage-inspired design hits the sweet spot between elegant and laidback, making it the perfect day-to-night bag. Constructed from a vegan leather that’s made from recycled plastic bottles, this must-have shoulder bag is as stylish as it is sustainable.
Nanushka belt bag
Practical and stylish (yes, it is possible!), our love for the belt bag shows no signs of dimming. If you’ve longed to invest in a luxe belt bag but have been struggling to find cruelty-free designs then prepare yourself to fall hard for this sleek, black faux-leather design from Nanushka, the design-led label that just so happens to be vegan.
Shop Nanushka Lubo faux-leather belt bag at Matches Fashion, £300
Matt & Nat backpack
Made for the woman who does it all, Matt & Nat’s vegan leather backpack is big enough for a 13” laptop, plus all your other everyday essentials. This light shade of blush makes for a fresh, spring-ready alternative to black and navy styles.
Stella McCartney Falabella tote
Vegan fashion has (finally) reached the mainstream, but long before cruelty-free style became cool Stella McCartney was championing vegan alternatives to leather. The iconic Falabella handbag is the tote that really does do it all. Big enough to stash your make-up bag, book and a pair of trainers on the 9-5, but sleek enough to look chic at evening events, this chain-trimmed tote looks every bit as luxe as real leather.
Shop Stella McCartney Falabella faux brushed-leather tote at Net-A-Porter, £720
Sole Society weekender bag
No travel lover should be without an adventure-inspiring weekend bag, and this one from Sole Society has had a vegan update. This classic chestnut brown style has a vintage feel to it and comes with a handy shoulder strap.
V by Townsley tote bag
Made in Italy from Japanese vegan leather, this stylish tote bag combines the best of traditional craftsmanship with the most luxurious cruelty-free leather alternatives. This rich red wine shade will pair to perfection with a classic trench or camel coat for an effortlessly elegant daytime look.
Hozen wristlet bag
If you’ve ever struggled with a champagne, canape and clutch juggling act then you’ll welcome the return of the wristlet. Designed to hang delicately from the wrist, this vegan leather blush design is the perfect plus-one to wear at summer weddings.
Wilby vegan clutch
No woman’s wardrobe is complete without a sleek wear-everywhere clutch bag. Upgrade your little black dress with this vibrant pillar-box red vegan leather design that will bring just the right amount of drama to your favourite after-dark outfits.
Mashu bucket bag
A sleek, timeless leather bucket bag has the power to pull together any outfit and add interest to everything from blue denim to office-appropriate suiting. This forest green vegan alternative is made to order and handcrafted in Athens for the ultimate luxe feel.
Images: courtesy of brands