The Spring Vegan Handbag Edit

Spring is a great time to review your handbag wardrobe and assess the need for any adjustments. As vegan fashion continues to become more and more widely available, vegan bags are among the most popular areas of this market. Choosing to ditch leather is a conscious, climate-aware decision: as it's part of animal agriculture, leather is a significant contributor to global warming and a major villain in fashion's role in the climate crisis. Leather is also an industry that takes over one billion animal lives every year.

By Sascha Camilli: writer, speaker, activist and vegan fashion expert.

Luckily, we live in a time when buying a handbag no longer means have to choose between wearing a cow's skin or instead opting for lumpy, shapeless canvas totes with a floral print – today's vegan fashion brands lend as much attention to style as they do sustainability, offering collections that reach coveted status for their design as much as their ethics.

The everyday favourite: V.GAN Coco Vegan Leather Tortoiseshell Crossbody Bag Tan

Your day-to-day wardrobe just got easier with V.GAN's cross-body design in Spanish-made vegan leather with a canvas lining. Spacious and simple to match, this style is the perfect complement to daytime looks and works well for work days as well as weekends.

Wear it with...a day dress. 

The new classic: Jeane & Jax Harmony MIRUM® Vegan Leather Crossbody Green

Your new favourite bag has arrived: Jeane & Jax have created a timelessly elegant design using plastic-free plant leather MIRUM. This cross-body style is versatile enough to suit any occasion, while bringing that touch of sleekness that will pull your outfit together and lend effortless polish.

Wear it with...a trench coat. One classic with another.

The luxury piece: Ask Scandinavia Clover Mirum Vegan Leather Saddle Bag Walnut

With a sumptuous design and a soft, luxurious feel, Ask Scandinavia's Clover bag will become that piece you reach for on special occasions. This bag is made from the new plastic-free vegan leather Mirum, making it the best possible option for the environment - and its easy-to-match hue will allow it to elevate any look in your wardrobe.

Wear it with...a men's shirt and wide-leg jeans.

The vegan backpack: LaBante London Camberwell Quilted Vegan Leather Backpack

On those days when you just can't be bothered to use your hands, toss your essentials into LaBante's quilted backpack crafted from plant by-products and lined with a fabric that consists of recycled plastic bottles. Comfort and style, guaranteed.

Wear it with...a jumpsuit and vegan trainers.

The most coveted one: FRIDA ROME WEEK/END

Consider yourself lucky if you can get hold of this one. After appearing on BBC's Dragons' Den (and successfully securing investment), the founders of FRIDA ROME can't seem to hang on to one of their vegan WEEK/END bags in cactus leather from Desserto – the coolest new kid on the block when it comes to vegan materials.

Wear it with...black trousers and a sharp blazer.

The cross-body: Miomojo Dalila Apple Leather Vegan Crossbody Bag Orange

A pop of colour to cheer up your spring looks. With this vibrant design, Miomojo has created a perfect piece that will take you from weekend brunch to Saturday night out. This cross-body style is made from apple waste and lined with recycled plastic bottles.

Wear it with...pared-back neutrals.

The travel tote: FRIDA ROME The Stockholm Recycled Vegan Leather XL Tote

Ready for takeoff? With FRIDA ROME's Recycled tote, you'll be that chic traveller you used to envy at the airport. Nordic design meets resistant recycled fabrics in an oversized tote that can effortlessly fit your whole life. Now, where did we put that boarding card?

Wear it with...airport-appropriate denim and relaxed knit.

The office piece: Melina Bucher Bailey Mirum Vegan Leather Handbag Cognac

Coming into the office is such a rare occurrence these days that when you do, you might want to make it special. Team your best nine-to-five outfit with this structured vegan handbag from Melina Bucher – its gold-toned hardware and sleek shade makes it subtly stand out without overpowering your look. For eco credentials, this bag is crafted with plastic-free vegan leather Mirum.

Wear it with...a puff-sleeve blouse and polished straight-leg trousers.

The off-duty cool one: Arsayo The Original Vegan Leather Crossbody Pouch Champagne

Add a hint of shimmer with Arsayo's champagne-hued cross-body design in water-resistant vegan leather. Resistant and long-lasting, this shoulder bag lends a subtle shine that will elevate without overpowering your look. 

Wear it with...a shirt dress and ankle boots.

The vegan evening clutch: Thalie Cleo Mini Strass Vegan Bag Black

There are times when nothing except high-octane glamour will do, and that's when this embellished vegan clutch from Thalie will make an elegant entrance. This design, made in Italy with responsibly sourced gemstones, will add sparkle to any after-dark ensemble, while not contributing to cruelty to animals or environmental destruction. So you can party with a clean conscience.

Wear it with...your favourite party dress.

By Sascha Camilli

About Sascha

Sascha Camilli is a vegan writer, speaker and activist. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books. For more about Sascha, you can read our interview with her or sign up to her newsletter Kind of Wild. 

Cover image by Canussa

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