Veganism is more omnipresent than ever before–and it's not just because of our newfound love for celery juice and sauteed kale. Animal-free alternatives that don't forfeit luxury and style are being crafted, coveted and discovered. From bucket bags to the hands-free crossbody, there's never been a more opportune time to invest in an ethical handbag.
Ahead, shop our 8 favorite vegan bags that are truly cruelty-free.
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
100% cruelty-free and 100% endorsed by Peta, Urban Originals is a proud vegan brand that's passionate about both the environment and personal style. They design all their handbags with recycled materials and high-quality vegan leather, into modern and unique silhouettes.
So, what's in our carts? The Euphoria Clutch. It's crafted with a foldover shape, removable strap silver-tone hardware for a polished finish.
Shop the handbag: Urban Originals
After launching in 2016, JW Pei–although quite new in the accessories market–began to dominate the street style scene. With classic silhouettes and modern textures, the brand is committed to designing must-have handbags from 100% vegan leather.
All of their enviable pieces are lined with 100% recycled bottles. And the factories they use? All certified by GRS (Global Recycling Standards) as well as the Oeko-Tex Standard (all materials can be traced!) This perfect embossed shoulder bag is on our list.
Shop the handbag: JW Pei
From the very beginning–1995 to be exact–Matt and Nat honed in on the importance of providing fashion lovers with well-crafted, cruelty-free pieces. Each season, they explore a variety of environmentally-conscious materials to include in their collections, from cardboard to cork.
The Azur bag comes in a bucket silhouette and a deep burgundy hue that'll add the perfect pop to any look.
Shop the handbag: Matt and Nat
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Animal-free and super sleek, Hozen is produced in small collections at a fair-wage LA factory.
Embrace their bold approach to fashion and the world at large with their Stubby duffel bag; it's been made from Italian 'leather' and recycled plastic into a minimal shape.
Shop the handbag: Hozen
PVC-free and ethically made Gunas was launched from humble beginnings in a Manhattan apartment. Instead of utilizing leather, the brand designs with upcycled nylons, vegan textured cco polyurethane, and canvas.
Although they have a variety of handbag styles, we really love the feminine Cottontail bag–for both the color and bow detail.
Shop the handbag: Gunas
If luxury and animal-free materials are what you're after, opt for Melie Bianco's iconic collections. Sculpted with love and utilizing fair trade principles, their goal is to continue offering affordable, Peta-worthy handbags, and that's exactly what they accomplish.
The Calvin bag has a vintage-inspired silhouette and a vegan croc-embossed faux leather that'll look so good worn with textural knits and trousers.
Shop the handbag: Melie Bianco
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For a vegan leather handbag that will carry all your daily essentials, opt for Bare Boheme's iteration. The brand was established to inspire others to live life beautifully and cruelty-free. In 2019, they pledged to donate 10% of proceeds to The World Animal Protection, a major win in our book.
The Sophie bag is for the boho girl that's too busy to leave any essentials at home; you can pack your lunch, makeup bag and multiple wallets in this oversized silhouette.
Shop the handbag: Bare Boheme
Setting out to curate collections filled with bags that are not only sustainably sourced, but responsibly designed, KWONN's bags are made from high quality vegan Japanese suede. Free from PVC and toxins, each elegant option is washable and super lightweight for easy commuting.
Our favorite of the bunch is this coated black carry-all tote that can take you from workday to weekend.
Shop the handbag: Kwonn
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