As someone who hails from the deep south, Toronto is a vegan haven. And it’s getting greener each year! First, there was the slow but steady march of vegan bakeries popping up in trendy neighborhoods. Then we became home to boomingly busy vegan restos like Bloomers, Apiecalypse Now and Doomies. It continued with Planta in Yorkville and Awai in the west end, which seem to pique the interest of omnivores and herbivores alike. Toronto is a plant-eater’s dream!
But today’s post is not about vegan food. It’s about vegan fashion–and where to buy it in the GTA. Years ago, it was a real pain to track down quality, non-leather fashion items. Wanted to find a chic work bag that wasn’t made of animal skin? Your shopping options were bleaker than Sherbourne Street at 4 am. Thankfully, that is 100% not the case anymore.
I love handbags. And I adore shoes. So naturally, I am frequently asked where to buy non-leather accessories. Today is the day I’m writing down my full list of go-to places to score enviable vegan/vegetarian fashion items. Let’s start with bags and end with shoes. Onward and upward!
Regardless of your budget, there is a perfect leather-alternative out there for you! I’ve included Quick Jump links for your convenience. In addition to breaking this shopping guide up by price range, I’ve also included icon references about the specific brands mentioned.
Brands with a cow (🐮) stand up for animals. No leather, fur, feathers or skin of any kind is used in their designs, ever.
Rest easy knowing a dove (🕊) means the company ensures ethical and sweat-shop-free labour. Look for a recycling icon (♻️) next to brands that utilize materials made from recycled fibers. Some even invest in worthy causes. (👼)
Where to Buy Non-Leather Vegan Handbags in Toronto
Vegan Boutiques in Toronto
Where to buy Non-Leather Vegan Shoes in Toronto
🐮 = Vegetarian/Vegan brand
🕊 = Responsible manufacturing
♻️ = Uses recycled material
👼 = Proceeds to charities
For more helpful tips on conscious shopping, take a peek at Keep It Vegan’s epic guide to vegan clothing. Keep It Vegan has loads of helpful resources for finding vegan fashion and accessories. And if the idea of buying non-animal textiles is new to you, I strongly suggest you read his article on the cruelty behind wool, leather, silk and fur.
These chain stores carry a wide selection of affordable and on-trend bags. Some are leather, most are not. Be sure to check the fabric label. Most of these bags are made using polyurethane and cost between CND $50 – $120.
These brands are cruelty-free and affordable! Expect to spend between CND $60 – $150.
It may not come as a surprise to you that ethical manufacturing is more expensive. Brands in this category cost a little more, but they make great efforts to ensure their manufacturing, textile sourcing and craftsmanship are top-notch. Expect to spend between CND $100 – $200.
At this time, Stella McCartney stands alone in this category. It is the only luxury, non-leather brand available in Toronto, as far as I know.
Stella McCartney bags are a (worthwhile) investment if you are looking for a luxury vegan handbag with ethical manufacturing and sustainable-focused sourcing. Most Stella McCartney bags are made in Italy. They start around CND $800 and can go up to around CND $1,600.
*** The Imperative is an ALL VEGAN EVERYTHING shop. I highly recommend visiting their two-story shop on Queen West in person. They carry fashion and beauty brands like MeDusa, GUNAS, Pacifica, Vaute, Urban Expressions and more. Be sure to contact them if you’re curious what they’ve stocked up on recently.
Psst: Doomie’s/Vegandale Brewery is just down the street, should you crave a vegan Big Mac and milkshake after all the calories you burn shopping.
All the chain stores previously mentioned also carry shoes. Again, be sure to check the fabric labels! You are looking for man-made synthetics or natural fabric materials like canvas.
I’ve found plenty of non-leather shoes at The Bay, SEARS, Foot Locker, Payless and the majority of major shoes retailers. Just ask a sales associate, and they should be able to assist you.
Stella McCartney is the only luxury non-leather shoe brand available in Toronto. Please let me know about any others! Or maybe don’t… as my bank account will probably take a big hit.
Living in a city like Toronto as it’s actively moving into a kinder, more conscious future is amazing. For many people, buying a new bag or pair shoes is something to be researched and carefully considered. I’m glad that many Torontonians are including “non-leather” in their shopping criteria. Everything you spend money on is a message about what you value. And if you want to change the way companies work, speak the language they understand: money. Each purchase you make towards a cruelty-free, ethical brand is a vote for animal rights and a brighter future for the planet.
It’s always exciting to hear about new vegan discoveries. If you have a favourite brand or shop that I missed, please let me know in the comments section below so I can add them!