The Vegan Curator: All Eyes on California (Vol. 2)

We continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of the Los Angeles fires. In this week’s edit, we highlight nine Californian vegan fashion brands that produce ethical and cruelty-free accessories.

Let us support the businesses that are persevering through these challenging times. Some have been directly affected by the fire, while others are already stepping up to assist their fellow Californians.

For last week’s edit with eight Californian vegan fashion brands that produce ethical and cruelty-free clothing, jump over here.

PawJ California

Founded by Julee Merrill, PawJ is a family-run business that crafts what are arguably the most popular – and undoubtedly the most comfortable – vegan boots and slippers, made from cruelty-free synthetics and faux fur.

VFR’s pick: PawJ Roe Clog

Regular price: $109.97

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: Jane loafer, black

Regular price: $141.25

Urban Expressions

Since 2005 (happy anniversary!), Urban Expressions has been championing a cruelty-free and greener world, one bag at a time, while also offering styling advice through their blog.

VFR’s pick: Leah Hobo bag

Regular price: $90.00

Mercy Made

Founded by Danika Gisvold and Brian Yang in 2018, Mercy Made Shoes is rooted in a love of animals, empowering women, and promoting self-compassion through “I am” statements. Their shoes, designed in Los Angeles and handcrafted in Mexico, are not only cruelty-free but also come with a commitment to giving back – 10% of monthly profits are donated to animal sanctuaries.

VFR’s pick: Sage Blue Oxford

Regular price: $125.00

Von D Shoes

Kat Von D’s iconic vegan shoe label reflects her passion for art and animal protection at every stage of the creative process, from design to material research and even down to the tissue paper. The brand frequently partners with various charities, making it a true representation of the founder’s ethos.

VFR’s pick: men’s Shadowplay boots

Regular price: $220.00

Svala

Founded in Los Angeles by an Australian with Icelandic touch (the name “Svala” means “swallow” in Icelandic), Svala has won multiple awards, including those from Eluxe Magazine and the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Svala bags are crafted from innovative and sustainable materials such as plastic-free MIRUM® and cork leather.

VFR’s pick: Simma Tote, gold speckled cork

Regular price: $195.00 

Rewilder

Los Angeles’ own Rewilder brand creates bags entirely from salvaged, high-performance materials, including climbing ropes, car airbags, and seatbelts, upcycling them into zero-waste fashion statements.

VFR’s pick: Market/Beach bag

Regular price: $134.00

Mali + Lili

Founded by JoAnne Wannrachue Lord in 2017, this Los Angeles-based brand has been featured on the Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2020 and 2023. Mali + Lili produces timeless, cruelty-free bags made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing waste one bottle at a time.

VFR’s pick: Ruby Knot Tote

Regular price: $88.00

Jellypop

Founded in 2009 and recognised by Inc.’s Best in Business and Female Founders 100, Jellypop creates a diverse range of cruelty-free shoes for women and girls. The brand leverages innovative technology, including a 3D design platform to minimise waste during development, pigments with no-water formulas, and partnerships with Global Recycle Standard-certified manufacturers.

VFR’s pick: Kid Rabble Black/Silver sneakers

Regular price: $34.99

Explore more of vegan fashion brands in our directory over here!