The Find: Vegan Bags
There was once a time when a beautiful and ethically made bag was an oxymoron. These days there are plenty of eco-loving designers making compassionate accessories. Let’s go shopping!
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Matt & Nat Trench Bag in Ivy
Veganism seems to be growing ever popular these days, and just as there is greater interest in making healthy and delicious vegan foods, many fashionable vegans are creating fabulous cruelty-free accessories. There was once a time when a beautiful and ethically made bag was an oxymoron. These days there are plenty of eco-loving designers making compassionate accessories. Let’s go shopping!
1. Matt & Nat Words to describe Material & Nature (Mat & Nat): classy, elegant, functional, cool. The Montreal-based company makes bags of all sizes, shapes, and colors for women and men. Their commitment to sustainability makes buying one of their bags feel so good! (One example: the beautiful linings of their bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.) On my wish list: their Epea tote in taupe ($145). They also produce an exclusive line for Apple products.
Cornelia Guest Olive Snake Weave Hobo
2. Cornelia Guest I really like the woman behind these fabulous handbags. Ms. Guest is the daughter of 50s style icon C.Z. Guest and a champion polo player. She’s a socialite with a serious love for animals, and she uses her social status to raise support for animal welfare. Sold at stores like Bloomingdale’s and Intermix, Cornelia Guest bags are definitely pricey. If you’re looking to splurge on an ethical handbag, Cornelia Guest is where it’s at. On my wish list: the Olive Snake Weave Hobo ($300).
3. Pansy Maiden This fun and casual bag brand is new to me, but Pansy Maiden has been sharing their vegan bags with the world since 2009! Their bags, for both men and women, are perfect for everyday use. The styles are functional (check out their bike handlebar satchel), and delightfully affordable. On my wish list: the Lady Day Shoulder Clutch in coral ($65).
Do you have a vegan bag you love? Let us know in the comments!
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Jenné Claiborne is passionate about helping women adopt and maintain a plant-based diet so they can improve their energy, lose weight, and feel their very best. She is the founder of The Nourishing Vegan, a New York–based personal chef service. She is also the creator of Sweet Potato Soul, a vegan food blog that features recipes, tips, and cooking videos. In 2013, Jenné launched the 21-Day Vegan Blueprint, an interactive online program that takes the guess work out of becoming vegan. Follow Jenné on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.