Handbags are one of those items that I research and ponder over for months before purchasing. It goes without saying that each of these ten vegan luxury bags are not only functional, but headturningly gorgeous. Gone are the days of plasticy polyurethane and weird hemp fabrics. The designers behind these ethical beauties are household names, for those in the know. And most of these handbag designs are bonafide cult classics, whether you’re vegan or not.
This article was originally published in 2017, though I’ve decided to update it since countless designs have been released since that time. It’s wonderful to see the creativity and craftsmanship in the latest luxury vegan handbag designs! Below is my 2020 roundup of the my top 10 luxury vegan bags from brands around the world.
These classic vegan luxury handbags are well worth the investment. As someone who’s been keeping a close pulse check on the in’s and out’s of ethical luxury, I can assure you these handbags are time-tested and will remain a classic for years to come.
The classic Falabella, or the Falabella Mini (pictured), is easily the most recognizable luxury vegan handbag, period. With the heavy-duty chain details juxtaposed against soft, vegan fabrics, the Falabella is unmistakable. A true nod to the staying power of this design? It’s been around for 8 + years and is released year after year by the fashion powerhouse. And yes, it comes in a variety of colourways, various shapes and sizes, with gold, silver, or gunmetal chain details.
IMO, the Falabella is the perpetual darling of the luxury vegan handbag scene. She will always be around, in one reincarnation or another.
Curious how I style my Stella McCartney Falabella handbags?
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You’ve probably seen the 1.4 but not known the designer behind it. Alexandra K is a Polish designer who handmakes her stunning, high fashion bags using innovative vegan materials. What I admire about Alexandra K is the brand’s dedication to being environmentally friendly. The medium sized 1.4 is probably the most well known, but I also own the 1.5 Maxi—which makes the perfect travel bag—and the 1.4 Mini versions. The 1.4, 1.3 Mini, and 1.5 Maxi are available in various ethical sustainable fabrics, including Apple Leather, Corn Leather, and their classic Freedom Leather–a recyclable vegan material.
After watching this underdog brand for years, I can confidently say that she’s made it. The demand for Alexandra K bags continues to grow. If you ever get your hands on one of her coveted bags, you’ll find the quality is top-notch and on par with the biggest fashion houses.
Curious how I style my Alexandra K handbags?
Ethical Luxury Swap:
The 1.5 Maxi is a great luxury vegan alternative to the wellknown Celine Luggage Tote.
Cher’s not going anywhere! She’s been around for nearly as long as the Falabella and is now available in various colours. Angela Roi even reinvented this fan favourite in a mini size. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Louis Vuitton Never Full tote, this is a great, ethical option that will never go out of style.
Take this beauty to work or out shopping. Cher is versatile and with an “old money” understated luxury-look.
If you are looking for a unique statement vegan luxury handbag and your preference is sustainable materials, then MASHU London is a brand to look into. Based in the UK will all handbag production done ethically in Greece, the designer blends minimalism with maximalism. These head-turning bags aren’t just aesthetically pleasing: they’re artisan made, use either recycled or plant-based materials, and many are even biodegradable.
I’m personally a fan of the Nicole design (middle photo) but the Philippa and Cassiopeia are quite nice too. These designs feel rare and luxurious.
While these designs are newer, they have the staying power to become classics. These vegan handbags are frequently snapped on the arms on all types of fashionistas, even those who aren’t vegan!
While I do gravitate more towards petite bags, the Hope Maxi by Alexndra K is a beauty that’s sure to become a classic. For those needing a little more room but don’t want something as bulky as a tote bag, this is a very chic option. Plus, you can swap out the hand to a delicate chain to create a different look.
Like many of Alexandra K’s designs, you can choose from either gold or silver hardware and various colours and finishes. The Hope is also available in a mini size too!
Ethical Luxury Swap:
The Hope Maxi or Mini is a great vegan alternative to the Chanel Classic Flap Handbag.
What a beauty! I’ve already seen the Joy Saddle bag on many fashion bloggers’ feeds. And I don’t blame them, the design is roomy but structured and chic. in fact, I own TWO of them in the innovative corn “leather” material. Her 2022 collection introduced a western-style twist on this design with the Joy Midi Flow.
If you enjoyed the original Chloe saddle bag, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this pretty vegan alternative.
Curious how I style my Alexandra K vegan handbags? I have 5 so far!
It was a little difficult to pick which Stella McCartney style to recommend because, let’s be honest, there are so many head-turning options! The Logo tote, and all of its various incarnations, seems to be going strong. I even see it hanging inconspicuously in interior design photos. The Stella McCartney logo bag seems to have both mass appeal and staying power, unlike other brands that have taken a crack at doing the same.
I’ve selected the large logo tote, but it comes in many different styles including rounded, rattan fabric, and smaller cross-bodies. If you want to play it super-safe with your investment, go for neutral colours with low contrast, like solid black or beige.
For the woman who’s constantly on the go, and doesn’t like being weighed down. The Eloise comes in various colours with two strap options.
Because more consumers like you have demanded ethical alternatives to leather, there have been wonderful innovations in vegan fabric options. Cork-leather is the latest sustainable fabric to turn heads. Due to the naturally hardy and fast-growing cork tree, this plant-sourced fabric is easy to grow and maintain.
For those looking to explore sustainable vegan fabrics, JORD is a great choice! This US-based accessories company recently launched a line of vegan handbags featuring Suberhide, a fusion of cotton with pressed Portuguese cork. Because JORD’s Suberhide bags come in various styles from elegant to edgy, they easily incorporate into any wardrobe.
Check out their Maiken backpack in action in my Autumn YouTube video. This gorgeous black and gold backpack was kindly gifted to me by JORD to test out. So I packed it with my travel essentials and camera, then took it on a hike through Evergreen Brickworks. It held up beautifully!
Wow! The moment I stumbled upon this gorgeous hard shell clutch, I knew that I had to include it on this list. The Town bag by Sans Beast comes in two colours with a detachable wide shoulder strap. This looks like a vintage shop gem, with 2020 design updates.