
"Animals are NOT meant to be a part of Fashion. We Can look and feel good without harming other living beings. We need to CONNECT our selves with what goes on behind the scenes." - GUNAS website.
OK, a bit of a departure from food today to discuss something dear to my heart. Bags.
Vegan fashion post! *overly excited look on face*
I am not a fashionista. But I will play one in this post. And seriously, with all the amazing vegan fashion brands blooming in today's world, I sometimes really want to be! You know, trade in my rolling pin for some vegan pumps. My zester for a pencil skirt and some faux leather booties. OK ok, not happening anytime soon. I think I love yoga wear a little too much. But I do try. And I love chatting vegan fashion because I love veganizing fashion essentials in my wardrobe. Like bags!
Fashion is such an important part of a vegan lifestyle and so I want to start sharing a bit more with you guys about some of my favorite vegan lifestyle brands. Vegan shoes are a whole other discussion, but handbags are right up there with shoes in terms of leather-heavy fashion gear. So today, my Five Fave Vegan Bag Brands..
Five Fave Vegan Bag Brands
1. GUNAS - Luxury Vegan Handbags by GUNAS New York. I just learned about this company a few months ago. I browsed the website and basically swooned over this ONE BAG. It was in my favorite color and just my style. Sleek yet fun. Classy yet playful. I bought it last week and could not be happier! GUNAS has so many styles, they are pretty fabulous. And I have to thank them for donating two bags to a silent auction I am organizing for an event, all proceeds benefit Alley Cat Allies. Pretty cool company that cares just as much about animals as you do! Shop on GUNAS New York
From the brand: "GUNAS is an independent high fashion label with a cause! Started in 2008 by designer and animal lover, Sugandh G. Agrawal
GUNAS's heart and soul screams to be the voice of animals. With an award winning design and business background, Sugandh quit her 7-year corporate career as an Industrial designer at KitchenAid to start her own company of cruelty-free fashion in New York." Yes to THIS: "Animals are NOT meant to be a part of Fashion. We Can look and feel good without harming other living beings. We need to CONNECT our selves with what goes on behind the scenes."
1 ½. Jill Milan! I LOVE this brand. Not sure how I missed it. This celebrity-fave designer has all her ah-mazing vegan bags made in Italy. I met Jill at a recent event and fell in love with her chic designs and her super kind personality. Love her! Shop Jill Milan Bags!
*pics from the JillMilan.com website
2. Stella McCartney. OK, so I know what you are thinking. Sticker shock on these price tags. "Do you know how many bags of groceries from Whole Foods I could buy in place of one SM bag??" Yes. Her bags are not cheap. Thing three or four digit figures for one bag. I own one Stella bag and I love it. It was an anniversary gift. I have received more compliments on it that you can imagine! I even walked into (Bravo's) Beverly Hills Housewife Kyle Richard's store one day and SHE told me she loved my bag. Nice. Shop on Amazon.
FallaBella bags, I own one similar to this...
*photo from SM website
Shop Stella McCartney Bags..
3. Cykochik. I love this company! I own one of their bags and one of their cute wristlet wallets. The PETA bunny. I also have the "10-speed" large vegan tote in white and pink and grey, customized by me. I love that you can customize their bags. And they are SUPER high quality faux leather. It is so soft and feels real. Love all the bold colors and artsy prints. And Nikki, the founder, is super cool. Based out of Texas! Shop on Cykochik
From the brand: 2013 marked their 10 year anniversary!.. "Over the years Cykochik has grown to be an internationally-awarded compassionate brand recognized for our creative, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and custom-made vegan handbags."
"WHY: Because we want to create a positive economic, environmental, and ethical impact. We believe in the freedom of self-expression while not endangering people, animals, or our planet in the process. Our bags are made of cruelty-free, vegan materials and also eco-friendly materials. Each bag is handcrafted with love in Dallas, TX, since 2003."
4. Matt and Nat – Beautiful collection of men’s and women’s bags and wallets and more. I think this is one of the most well known vegan bag brands. I always see their goods at one of my fave stores, Moo Shoes. Super high quality materials and construction, and modern styles - seasonal colors. I love pretty much every bag and wallet on their website. I actually cannot believe I do not own a "Matt and Nat" piece. I think the next bag I purchase will be from them so I can round out my collection! In love with this color. Shop on Matt and Nate
From the brand: "Various vegan leathers are used in production, the scientific terms are PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinylchloride). PU is less harmful for the environment than PVC and it’s use is definitely preferred, whenever possible. In addition to being vegan, sustainable materials are constantly sourced in design; these include recycled nylons, cork and rubber. Moreover, all our linings are made of 100% recycled bottles. Approximately 21 plastic bottles are recycled for every bag we produce.
We strive to design timeless and durable styles. Each season, several quality control tests are performed on all new styles. .. Furthermore, thanks to their durability and strength, our bags can last a very long time and, hence, are sustainable products."
*product photos above from Matt and Nat's website.
Shop Matt and Nat Bags!..
5. Crystalyn Kae. I love this brand that I discovered at Moo Shoes NYC. I bought the Butterscotch Metier Tote. I adore it. The vegan leather is so buttery and soft. Super amazing brand with an amazing designer, Crystalyn Brennan. Shop on Crystalyn Kae
From the brand: "Since 2001, Crystalyn Kae Accessories has designed handbags and accessories produced from ethically sourced and reclaimed materials. Beloved by fashion mavens and independent spirits alike, the Crystalyn Kae handbag is a symbol of socially-conscious style.
Designed in Seattle, our handmade hobos, totes, and cross-body bags are created with a unique blend of sustainable materials and made in the USA. Our bags carry everything you need, durably protecting your valuables in rain or shine. Adjustable straps and versatile inner pockets keep you organized and ready for work, play, or travel."
*product photos above from the CK website.
Not sure how I forgot this brand did bags, but another company I LOVE Cri de Coeur! LOVE..
And here is a HUGE bunch of amazing vegan bags I found for you!..
Want to browse more vegan fashion brands? Check out Vegan Fashion Resources on Finding Vegan -- I am building a HUGE resources database on Finding Vegan, this is just one of the first pages.
Now your turn!! What are your fave vegan bag brands??? Tag me in your instagrams of vegan bags and comment here!
And yes, vegan bags can sometimes double as kitty hideaway beds..













Lily Cobbler says
Thanks for the article! Really nice and classic choices. That Fallabella never goes out of fashion 🙂 Most of these brands have really classic style and some are more casual. If you're looking for something a bit more edgy and colorful look for Fruitenveg. Their bags are insane!!
celeste1234 says
Just wish I could find some fashionable, big, mama-sized purses for cheap. I loved the bags from Cri de Coeur but they were far too expensive for my lifestyle right now. I'm a mom to a 4 year old, and a student, so I need something durable, affordable, but still stylish, and of course vegan. Something I won't cry over if something gets spilled on it, or stuck in it or anything like that. Anyone have any knowledge of such bags?
AnimalLover says
The Cykochik bags should fit the bill!
Address chic says
This article provides nice vegan bag brands as the bag comes in luxurious things like clothing, boots etc. As for vegan bags, i visited addresschic and i have found out nice articles about the celebrity's used vegan bags in their regular life too. As vegan luxury show vegan products that shows your luxurious life by using these vegan bags.
Stefanie says
Excellent picks Kathy! I just got a Gunas bag and I love it! It's so exciting to see new vegan fashion brands popping up all the time - you have check out Viva Creatures and Angela & Roi too!
RockMyVeganSocks says
Oh so cute! I love the Gunas one you have (especially the colour). Such pretty purses =)
Have you ever tried Susan Nichole? She makes amazing vegan purses - she makes my fav in such fun, vibrant colours.
Wendy says
Thanks so much for this post. I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian and probably never will be but I am trying to reduce the animal products I eat and use. You have shown me there are some stylish alternatives to leather. I am in love with that CK tote!
Kathy Patalsky says
Perfect! Reducing the amount of animal products you use is a wonderful goal. Glad I could help.
Earlie Cat says
Great Post!
Kathy Patalsky says
Thank you Earlie!
Nicole says
That Crystalyn Kare Bag will last you forever, I'm finally looking to replace my hobo bag over ten years later.
Kathy Patalsky says
Wow. I loooove it. Such a high quality bag. The inside material is so soft and velvety too. Huge pet peeve of mine when the insides of bags are not as beautifully crafted as the outside.
John Hartil says
Nice information! Here in the UK Wilby is pretty good.
Kathy Patalsky says
Neat! Very good to know John!
Heather McClees says
Ahh!! I have to have that CK bag!! Love!!!!
Kathy Patalsky says
I want. all. the. vegan. bags. 🙂
Dariann says
Beautiful choices! Some cruelty-free faves of mine: Jill Milan, David Jones, and Freedom of Animals.
Kathy Patalsky says
Awesome, thank you! I will check those options out!