Going Vegan

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I don't usually post but I can't understand why there's so much hatred and negative response to this thread. I am not a vegetarian and I love leather bags, but I totally understand why OP started this thread - to find out more options for vegan leather bags - and where else would be better to find out about this other than Purse Forum (this is not Leather Purse Forum I don't think). I think it is a good thread as I had no idea there is this much cruelty towards animals (I know, and I bet a lot of people are unaware) but I also refuse to believe everything I see based on one video or website.

I am at the point in my life that I want to be fully aware of the choices I make and how it affects the bigger picture, so I feel excited to follow this thread until I read all the negative comments. I think if you feel like you don't have anything to contribute or don't belong here, then no need to follow the thread? No point posting harsh comments.

If you take a minute to read OPs first post I don't think she meant to offend anyone.

Thanks OP for starting this thread, I would love to find out more about vegan leathers as I have a hard time understanding what the difference between so called 'vegan leather' like Stella McCartney or flat out PU like most bags on cheaper end, say Target?

I have used so many PU bags especially when I was younger and before I came to know about designer bags, and I remember really hating that they crack after a while. Maybe a better alternative to leather would be canvas? Just a thought.

Thanks for the link to the PETA and Mat & Nat websites! Very informative!


+1. I agree 100%. I wouldn't read this forum if it only encouraged buying, and would hate to see it turn into that. I'd also love to learn more about vegan bags, as well as more about what leather bag designers are the most humane and environmentally conscious in their sourcing and manufacturing choices. And who knows, maybe TPF could help to spur some positive change :).
 
I completely appreciate this thread. I have been struggling with finding really nice non-leather bags in a style that works for me. I think many purse lovers want to be more environmentally responsible and cruelty free.

Basically any process, whether it involves leather or non-leather materials, can produce environmentally unfriendly waste/results. It would be great if people could continue to find ways to be more environmentally friendly. I use fabric shopping totes for all my shopping, been doing this for over 10 years. I even rinse and re-use the plastic veggie bags so i don't create more plastic waste.

We also cannot ignore the tremendous suffering of animals for luxury items. Leather and fur do not always come to us as by-products. Many are aware and I bet many (like myself) would like to find great non-leather options. I love Kipling for casual everyday use. Such durable well made bags. I have had mine for over a dozen years. I love the feel of Stella's Fallabella bag material but I am not a fan of wearing chains...too heavy and gets cold against my skin. I would love to see her make some other non-chain styles with the same non-leather material.

I think the OP started this thread with only positive intent. I hope that this spurs more interest and sharing and hopefully inspires more beautiful vegan bags to be available on the market. Like another poster said...this is the purse forum, not the leather purse forum. We all love purses. No better place to explore and find options outside of the leather box, than TPF, right?

I agree with Serenityneow, I would love to know more about designers who make humane and environmentally conscious sourcing a priority.
 
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+1. I agree 100%. I wouldn't read this forum if it only encouraged buying, and would hate to see it turn into that. I'd also love to learn more about vegan bags, as well as more about what leather bag designers are the most humane and environmentally conscious in their sourcing and manufacturing choices. And who knows, maybe TPF could help to spur some positive change :).


YES! Couldn't agree more!
 
I wanted to agree that a vegan bag should not try to imitate leather but push boundaries design and material wise. One of the bags I most admire in this respect is Issey Miyake's Bao Bao bag, so beautiful and fascinating! This is a very desired bag even though leather is not used (I believe he does use leather in some other designs).
 

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I wanted to agree that a vegan bag should not try to imitate leather but push boundaries design and material wise. One of the bags I most admire in this respect is Issey Miyake's Bao Bao bag, so beautiful and fascinating! This is a very desired bag even though leather is not used (I believe he does use leather in some other designs).


+1. These bags are amazing. I saw a woman carrying one on vacation in the Bahamas a couple of months ago, and have been thinking about getting one ever since. It seems like the perfect resort bag. In a similar vein, I have a beautiful Helen Kaminski raffia tote that I carry often in the summer. It gets tons of compliments.

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I wonder what vegan bags would work well in the winter, and in a professional environment? The Falabella really doesn't work for that, unfortunately. The key is for the bag to still feel lux.
 
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+1. These bags are amazing. I saw a woman carrying one on vacation in the Bahamas a couple of months ago, and have been thinking about getting one ever since. It seems like the perfect resort bag. In a similar vein, I have a beautiful Helen Kaminski raffia tote that I carry often in the summer. It gets tons of compliments.

View attachment 3314948View attachment 3314949View attachment 3314950

I wonder what vegan bags would work well in the winter, and in a professional environment? The Falabella really doesn't work for that, unfortunately. The key is for the bag to still feel lux.

These are gorgeous!! I have one of her hats. Love the quality!
 
Ted Baker London makes beautiful vegan bags, too. They cost around $45-$219. I see them all the time at Nordstrom and they look very well made, super pretty and with an affordable price tag to boot! I definitely recommend them!

ETA: I just realized that Ted also uses real leather in some of his more expensive bags (Bovine leather; price range about $249-$300+). So if you're going vegan and are interested in his bags, it's probably best to do some research prior to purchasing so you'll get one that's actually made of PVC.

Here is an example of his PVC and leather bags. The red bow tote on the left is made out of PVC, but the adorable pink satchel is genuine Bovine/cow leather. The satchel fooled me many times because I thought he was one of those "vegan" designers but I was wrong.
 

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You know, theres something very attractive about the design of this bag, though I'm not sure what it would actually be like to wear... http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/futuristic-luggage-bags-briefcases-philippe-starck-jerome-olivet

Also loving the geo shape bags and raffia for summer. With temperatures set to soar soon natural woven fibres are definitely a good go to.

Edit: I also love the idea of this origami folds bag...
http://apps.ubmasia.com/files/handl...GUHa0Xh3iKiIWE1MuZHdcSTe2diG8PbumEveihdsx5w==
 
Just saw this awesome bag, it's not exactly designer and the price is very reasonable at around 125 dollars. I just love that it's made from natural 'plant material' Bilum. The colours are vibrant and it reminds me of a hammock, perfect for a tropical summer getaway!
 

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Oh, nice! Now you have done it! Now you are putting guilty lables... Way to go way to go...
In my opinion, people on this forum are grown up adults and do not need to be mentored or educated by pointing their noses to videos and such. This is very impolite. It is sad that people turning vegan are going so mad that they completely forget their manners.

Wow. Just wow.
 
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i completely appreciate this thread. I have been struggling with finding really nice non-leather bags in a style that works for me. I think many purse lovers want to be more environmentally responsible and cruelty free.

Basically any process, whether it involves leather or non-leather materials, can produce environmentally unfriendly waste/results. It would be great if people could continue to find ways to be more environmentally friendly. I use fabric shopping totes for all my shopping, been doing this for over 10 years. I even rinse and re-use the plastic veggie bags so i don't create more plastic waste.

We also cannot ignore the tremendous suffering of animals for luxury items. Leather and fur do not always come to us as by-products. Many are aware and i bet many (like myself) would like to find great non-leather options. I love kipling for casual everyday use. Such durable well made bags. I have had mine for over a dozen years. I love the feel of stella's fallabella bag material but i am not a fan of wearing chains...too heavy and gets cold against my skin. I would love to see her make some other non-chain styles with the same non-leather material.

I think the op started this thread with only positive intent. I hope that this spurs more interest and sharing and hopefully inspires more beautiful vegan bags to be available on the market. Like another poster said...this is the purse forum, not the leather purse forum. We all love purses. No better place to explore and find options outside of the leather box, than tpf, right?

I agree with serenityneow, i would love to know more about designers who make humane and environmentally conscious sourcing a priority.

+1
 
I didn't go through the entire thread, but maybe Kipling bags are an option? They are made from nylon, no leather there! I know they are involved in some projects supporting nature preservation and protecting some endangered species.... I'm completely obsessed with Kipling bags and own quite a few. They last for years, are stylish yet fun, and are very carefree. Hope I could help!
 
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