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We’ve rounded up some great brands to keep in mind next time you need a new handbag, all of which are created by Asian founders.
With the growing popularity of fashionable vegan products, conscious consumers are demanding animal-friendly alternatives for every apparel and accessory they own. The plant-based fashion industry is doing its best to come up with new, alternative materials too, in a move away from the more traditionally-used PVC, a type of hard-to-recycle plastic that many vegan bag brands rely on.
1. The Lovely Things
These trendy handbags from The Lovely Things are made of the popular leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibre and branded as Pinatex as well as sustainably sourced cork. One of many promising Hong Kong eco brands, The Lovely Things offers bags in numerous shapes and patterns but we’re especially crushing on their every day totes which you can grab in a range of colours.
Shop The Lovely Things online, from US$79
2. ONE Concepts
Designer eco bags from Macau-based brand ONE Concepts are both beautiful and 100% vegan, not to mention that the company will plant a tree for every product sold AND they give 10% of their profits to animal welfare charities. The comfy handbags are made from vegan microfiber which is both cruelty-free and PVC free- go team.
Shop ONE Concepts online, from US$168
3. JW PEI
Luxury ethical bag brand JW PEI offers more than 250 types of fashionable vegan bags and other accessories, with styles ranging from shoulder bags to crossbody and satchel handbags. Made from vegan leather and recycled plastic waste, the US & Asia-based brand is famously popular with non-vegan fashionistas and vegans alike, and we can see why: they are just so darn chic.
Shop JW PEI online, from US$29
4. GnL
Local Hong Kong handbag brand GnL are approved by none other than PETA, thanks to their cruelty-free natural materials including coffee grounds, cork and teak leaves. To make the bags more durable, their inner fabric is made from recycled plastic, which keeps the stuff out of our oceans and landfills. The bags are also super cute and very budget-friendly.
5. Broke Mate
The easy-to-carry, classy shapes by Broke Mate are ethically made by fairly pade women in India, PETA approved and come in various shapes and sizes. A women owned vegan business by Indian entrepreneur Rumika Sharma, the bags are made from polyurethane.
Shop Broke Mate online, from US$25