If you’ve been looking to make more sustainable or ethical choices when it comes to your wardrobe, it can be hard to know where to begin. Thanks to their versatility and great cost-per-wear, bags are the perfect place to start when it comes to making more sustainable and ethical investments.
However, if your doubts about vegan leather (AKA faux leather) or replica leather alternatives have been holding you back, have no fear. The introduction of cutting-edge fabrications, clever craftsmanship, and innovative technologies means that the squeaky pleather you once knew, is now just a distant memory.
With a variety of fabrications to choose from—from recycled plastic bottles to cactus leather—these vegan-friendly and fashion-forward finds are just as luxurious (and buttery) as their non-vegan counterparts. Scroll to shop our favourite vegan leather handbags.
Brie Leon The Mini Chloe
PRICE: $189
This 90s-inspired vegan leather bag will be your go-to thanks to its sculptural shape and great everyday size. With a detachable crossbody strap, magnetic closure, and brass hardware, it’s as practical as it is pretty. Shop it here.
Poppy Lissiman Crikey BB Bag
Price: $195
Sydney-based Poppy Lissiman is the queen of statement sunglasses, bags, and accessories—and this cute yin and yang top-handle bag is no exception. It's been making the rounds on Instagram and it could be yours, knowing that it's made with stacks of personality and faux leather too. Shop it here.
Charlie Z + Co Charlie Bag
Price: $249
It's effortlessly chic and it will charge your phone, what more could you want? The Charlie Bag from Charlie Z + Co comes in three stunning colours—tan, black or blush—and every bag comes with a wireless charging unit so you'll never be caught with a dead battery again. The best part though? The bright orange interior (and matching phone charger) which will instantly lift your mood every time you open your bag. Shop here.
JW PEI Gabbi Bag
Price: $134 $101
An Instagram favourite, you’ve probably already seen this cute croissant style bag all over your feed. Designed from high-quality vegan leather, canvas, polyurethane, and certified fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, if you’re looking for a trend-led and affordable pick, this is it. Shop here.
Matt & Nat Tristan Tote Bag
PRICE: $200
Made from tan-hued vegan leather, this on-trend tote is the perfect bag to get you back to the office. Big enough to fit your laptop plus all your other essentials, this is the perfect vegan leather handbag for every day. Shop here.
A_C Monica Belt Bag
PRICE: $209
Peta And Jain Liv Tote Bag
PRICE: $89.95
Large enough to fit a standard size laptop and with alternating long and short handles, this tote has been designed to be your daily go-to. Its soft and supple pebbled vegan leather outer and smooth suedette lining make it a joy to use. Shop here.
Frida Rome The Week/end Bag
PRICE: $644
Made from soft-to-the-touch cactus leather and luxury eco-suede, this fully deconstructable, lightweight, and multi-use bag is the perfect travel accessory. Shop here.
Louenhide Alexis Weekender Bag
PRICE: $149.95
If you’ve been on the hunt for a vegan-friendly travel bag, then look no further. The perfect size for short adventures and crafted from faux-leather, this weekender is both smart and stylish. Shop here.
Stella McCartney Small Perforated Faux Leather Camera Bag
PRICE: $1,115
If you're ready to drop some cash on something designer, you'll want to draw your attention towards Stella McCartney's beautiful vegan bags. Crafted in Italy from McCartney's innovative "Alter Nappa" vegetarian leather, this small shoulder bag is the perfect size for housing your essentials. Shop here.
Now that your bag is sorted, get the rest of your wardrobe in order with the best Australian fashion labels to know in 2024.
Image credit: Poppy Lissiman Instagram, Brie Leon, Matt & Nat, Net-A-Porter, JW Pei, The Iconic, A_C, Peta and Jain, Frida Rome, Louenhide, Charlie Z + Co
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