Vegan Shoes and Handbags: On Trend

OnTrend_VeganFashion-VeganHandbags

ColumnWelcome to a new type of luxury. On trend vegan handbags and shoes are a(n animal) friendly reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice style to live a compassionate and conscious lifestyle. Here are 5 great brands trailblazing vegan fashion to carry your belongings and walk you forward.

Cruelty-free, vegan style isn’t a trend you instantly recognize–there are no flash signs or logos that distinguish these pieces from leather. But if you are a conscious consumer you can’t miss out on these brands.

From Anne Hathaway’s custom Tom Ford vegan gladiator sandals to Natalie Portman’s own vegan footwear collection, this isn’t a trend that is going away anytime soon. In fact, the rise of vegan fashion options is growing slowly, but certainly steadily.

 

VeganHandbags_crieceur

Leah Wallet by Cri de Coeur

Certainly you’ll be pretty in pink with this cruelty-free Cri de Coeur clutch. Although the brand is best known for their line of stylish vegan shoes, we love their handbags too. One of the first and most well-known vegan footwear and handbag brand, Cri de Coeur is made from top quality vegan materials like ultra-suede, made from recycled plastic, eco-PU, that is breathable, biodegradable and has a low-VOC content, organic cotton, and reclaimed wood.

Cri de Coeur, $75

BHAVA_SP_2014-5_1024x1024

Darcy Bootie by Bhava

Bhava is made using the highest quality hand-woven, organic, recycled and cruelty free components–all in one shoe. Founders Francisca Pineda and Rushali A. Sanghani work closely within a Fair Trade atelier in Mumbai, ensuring the makers are utilizing the best of both traditional and modern techniques. The brand’s aesthetic aims for “timeless elegance with a dose of ingénue charm.”

Bhava, $155

VeganShoes_Neuaura

Julia Maroon by Neuaura

Neuaura is another great vegan brand–and their products are never made with any animal products at all. They believe in protecting the environment and the animals who inhabit it. For example, a portion of their manufacturing is done in hydroelectric powered facility in southern Brazil–so no carbon is emitted from the facility. Each year Neuaura partners with a different charity or organization that focuses on preserving and protecting animals and the planet.

Neuaura, on sale for $79.99

secret_cheetah_suede

Secret Cheetah by Olsenhaus

No Cheetahs were harmed in the Fair Trade production of this pump. In fact, Olsenhaus is 100% vegan, and stands on firm ground that it always will be. Not only style, but education is equally important. They hope to shed light “regarding atrocities taking place against animals, the environment and all of mankind” and provide a better option through their brand.

Olsenhaus, $155

VeganHandbags_FreedomofAnimals

Nala Doubler by Freedom of Animals

This bag is as soft as leather without the addition of any harsh chemicals. If we had an award for favorite vegan handbag brand of the year–Freedom of Animals would be it. Their material is ‘eco-leather, an EPA certified blend of post consumer materials, and woven with organic cotton. Most of all, it’s an equally durable, equally stylish alternative against the flooded market of leather bags.

Freedom of Animals, $460

 

See Also:

Rocking the Red Carpet: 3 Celebrity Eco Fashion Trends
Eco-Chic Celebrity: How To Get Emma Watson’s Sustainable Style
5 Celebrity Favorite Natural Beauty Products
5 Famous Nerd Girls With Green Hearts

Want more On Trend? See The Latest:

Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend
Metallic Holiday Fashion Trend 2013: On Trend
Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity With Burgundy and Basics On Trend
The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend

Images from the eco fashion brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli

Juliette Donatelli

Working in the field of sustainability for over seven years, Juliette is passionate about its intersection within the fashion industry. Juliette began studying ecological conservation, and led consumer awareness campaigns around the world from water usage in southern California, riparian restoration in South Africa, food distribution in Paris and bison habitat in the Great Plains. She has launched her passion--consumerism and sustainability--into a place where it hits home--fashion. Juliette is the founder and editor-in-chief of spadesandsilk.com, Director of Sustainability at Manufacture NY, and loves to read, dance, swim and enjoy the occasional glass of champagne.