British Fashion Council has announced an official ban on exotic animal leather at London Fashion Week, effective from 2025. This step solidifies London’s unique position among the ‘Big Four’ as a leading hub for young creativity, digital innovation, and now sustainable and ethical fashion. To celebrate, we have curated a selection of striking accessories crafted from vegan leather alternatives. These pieces are sure to leave everyone questioning why we ever needed to kill reptiles in the first place. And yes, feel free to consider this Vegan Fashion Repository’s guide to vegan & cruelty-free holiday gifts!
Arsayo
A brand founded on the love of a father for his three children, and the combination of their names (Ary, Sabine and Yoni) in the heart of Paris, their signature backpacks with secure closure made from animal leather alternatives have been one of vegan fashion’s best kept secrets so far.
VFR’s pick: the ‘Suber Exotic’ backpack from cork leather, mimics snakeskin’s texture
Regular price: €299.00
Alexandra K
Alexandra K is probably one of the first vegan accessory brands to gain a following for captivating, high-end aesthetics and the use of innovative, plant-based leather alternatives. Bags are crafted in Poland.
VFR’s pick: ‘Joy Midi’ crossbody bag, mimics crocodile skin texture
Regular price: 1,090.00 PLN
Jeane + Jax
The Montreal brand draws on a strong Italian heritage of the founder Silvia Jeane Gallo, while redefining a statement bag. Jeane+Jax’s bags have timeless design, do no harm to animals, and keep a steadfast policy of affordability. Now that’s the spirit!
VFR’s pick: ‘Ariana’ Croco vegan shoulder bag, mimics crocodile skin texture
Regular price: $150.00 CAD
Vuxari
This Australian brand aims to remove plastic and material waste that would otherwise sit in a landfill, one bag at a time. Bags are made from GRS-certified recycled materials (PU, rPET), but no virgin synthetics, and no PVC.
VFR’s pick: ‘Elytra’ shoulder bag, details mimic snakeskin appearance and texture
Regular price: $239.00 AUD
Taylor+Thomas
Founded by Jessica Taylor Mead and Elizabeth Thomas under the sun of Los Angeles, the brand is home to cruelty-free accessories with a vintage touch. Items are handcrafted, and materials come from certified suppliers from Italy and Japan.
VFR’s pick: ‘Debbie’ boots, mimics python appearance and texture
Regular price: $146.25
Aqualidad
Aqualidad is Catalonia’s take on ethical fashion. Items are handcrafted in Barcelona from plant-based and recycled materials, and hold an understated, sleek modern aesthetic.
VFR’s pick: ‘Tulua’, mimics crocodile skin texture
Regular price: €90,00
Ethik
Ethik is one of those very few brands that is dedicated solely to crafting vegan men’s accessories. Items are designed in line with timeless and subtle aesthetics that evoke oldschool luxury, and crafted with the use of high durable and abrasion-resistant leather alternatives.
VFR’s pick: ‘Out of the Blu’ Oxford shoes, suede-like finish, mimics crocodile texture
Regular price: ₹4,800.00
Wilby
Founded ‘one morning in the vibrant streets of Wilby Mews’, the brand holds an essence of 1970s London, with a pledge to harm no animals for the sake of everything that made London a destination for fashion and music lovers.
VFR’s pick: The ‘Royal Elizabeth’ gold chain bag, mimics snakeskin
Regular price: £300.00
Will’s Vegan Store
Founded by Will Green way back in 2012, the company’s focus on bio-based vegan leather and recycled materials has earned it a trust and following back when the market for vegan menswear and kid’s wear was still in its infancy. Items are produced in Italy and Portugal.
VFR’s pick: Coin purse, mimics crocodile texture
Regular price £35.00
Anne Schollenberger
Founded by Anne-Kirstin Schollenberger out of her love of bags, shoes and particularly hats, the brand uses cactus leather, which is one of the most sustainable leather alternatives that uses up minimal amounts of water in production.
VFR’s pick: simply a classic hat from cactus leather, the band’s material mimics snakeskin texture and appearance
Regular price €190.00
Explore more than 500 vegan fashion brands in our directory here.