Ignorance is out of fashion, and as we collectively become more 'woke' as a society, designers and brands are paying attention. Vegan leather - despite some backlash for its synthetic status - is becoming the socially conscious alternative to animal leather.
From buttery-soft tote bags to statement jackets, we round up the best brands for vegan leather ready-to-wear and accessories shoppable in the UK.
Best for: high-tech material
Vicki Von Holzhausen started off her career in the automotive business working for Audi and Mercedes-Benz. She decided to combine her technical expertise with an ethical approach to consumerism in order to offer products that add value to the world - paving the way for her eponymous brand.
It launched in 2015, in Malibucollection of accessories with a focus on design, sustainability, and quality of life.
Best for: butter-soft and oversized
V BY TOWNSLEY is the brainchild of sisters-in-law Jo and Georgie Townsley who were united by a mutual passion for style and a belief in veganism, fair trade and sustainability.
From the satisfyingly oversized 'Eden' tote bag that comes in black, peppermint blue and deep, sultry tan, to the panelled 'Isabella' clutch that will see you from day to night, the styles are to die for and handcrafted in Italy from premium quality Japanese vegan leather.
Best for: Influencer-approved style
Both sophisticated and attitude-filled at once, Budapest-based brand Nanushka's signature, butter-soft vegan leather is unrivalled. From puffer jackets and cool-girl jumpsuits to trousers, tops and beyond, the vegan-leather pieces have become Influencer-favourites with good reason, Lustrous fabrics of the highest quality and with the finest cut.
Best-for: cool-girl style
Stella McCartney is a pioneering force when it comes to luxury fashion brands' use of vegetarian leather. The Stella McCartney leather alternative does not just look painfully good (and almost impossible to decipher from the real thing), but is also better for the environment. Using recycled polyester instead of Brazilian calf leather creates 24 times less of an environmental impact.
Best for: the office
Moshi was founded in 2005, and has fast become the answer to sustainable office living. Their designs are simple and sophisticated - creating accessories and electronics for those who refuse to sacrifice style for functionality.
Best for: blending in
'Look beyond the sneakers, look how they are made', says ultra-cool, ultra-ethical shoe brand Veja. Made with classic minimalist sneaker design in mind and fitting in seamlessly amongst the Guccis and Nikes of the world at Dover Street Market, you can also find them at Selfridges, Matches and Net-A-Porter.
Best for: street wear flair
Canadian womenswear brand Nisse is upping the ante with a fresh new focus on vegan leather garments, from cherry red trousers to vanilla coloured dresses and trench coats.
Best for: the beach
Acrylic isn’t just for your nails: Cult Gaia make it into showstopping bags. This LA-based brand by designer Jasmin Larian make eye-catching bags woven from plastic or bamboo. Their signature ‘Ark Bag’ was the it-item of the summer last year on Instagram and the brand has been touted as the next Reformation – not a claim anyone makes lightly. You can find them on Net-A-Porter, or at The Shop at Bluebird.
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