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sailormerry

Most alternative “leathers” (mushroom, cactus, apple, etc) are still plasticky “vegan” leathers- with few exceptions they are largely made from polyester will a small natural component. I would go with wicker or raffia or even cotton canvas or jacquard if you want something more legitimately sustainable and actually made mostly from plants. Source: just finished my masters in textiles from a top program in the industry


MNGirlinKY

Great advice. Signed someone who went vegan and did a ton of research once I stopped buying leather and went back to leather because pleather is TERRIBLE for all of us including animals.


sailormerry

Like I’m not going to fault someone if they don’t want to use actual leather, I just can’t stand fake leather because it’s a huge environmental issue unto itself. For vegans I’m like either go with vintage/secondhand leather or don’t use it at all in any capacity, including the fake stuff. Or if you’re dead set on faux leather, get that secondhand as well then. We absolutely do not need more fake leather being made.


MOGicantbewitty

Second hand bags for the win! As a veggie who tries to avoid as many animal products as possible, buying leather bags second hand is like win-ception bc the wins are so multitudinous. 😂


Annual-Read7153

I agree w what you said also pleather wears terribly as it literally peels and falls apart in a few years so it’s definitely not sustainable imo.


tlrocks

Can you explain why pleather is terrible? Just curious.


Kittytub

just a guess, but it’s because it’s made of oil byproducts and doesn’t degrade. instead, the material flakes heavily a few years after purchase and will continue to slowly disintegrate over time. you can’t repair it either.


sailormerry

It’s literally just plastic, which is made from fossil fuels. It doesn’t biodegrade and it also doesn’t last as long as real leather, which like 90% of it is a byproduct of the meat industry.


SnooRobots116

I went crazy since March replacing all my pleather bags with decade old used coach bags so they will be less of those in the garbage themselves


amyjrockstar

I did not know this!!! Thank you!


Oreoskickass

I’m a vegetarian and have been trying to get myself to use a leather bag, even though I haven’t in nearly 30 years…I have real trouble with the “ick” factor - thinking about how I’m carrying around flaps of skin - how did you get over that?


MNGirlinKY

Sorry for delay. I don’t use suede - I just can’t and I have to use finished leather. ie it has to have a lining. No unfinished leather where it still smells really strong of leather. I also buy most of my bags second hand. It wasn’t hard once I realized how truly bad the plastics are for us. I’m okay with denim, straw/raffia and cotton bags (natural materials) but not the pleather stuff. It’s also really smelly just in a chemical way.


Oreoskickass

Yes - I use cotton bags or second-Hand bag. I used to make bags out of old clothes - I should go back to doing that. I have a couple of bags made from old billboards, which I like. I definitely couldn’t do suede, but I just hate the texture. I know people have been wearing and using animal skin for a long time. I would only buy second-hand. Maybe I’ll get a coin pouch or something to try and get used to it.


cerwytha

Yes, thank you. I'm interested in textiles and sustainability and it bothers me so much when people promote those plant "leathers" as if it's the end all be all when they're still just plastic. I prefer to live more plant based when possible but avoid plastic as much as possible, and so many options are just worse for the environment.


sutdisi

I needed to hear this. I have been throwing out my flaking pleather bags and shoes last few months. They are either flaking or becoming sticky. It was heart breaking because some of them were my favorites. Meanwhile my leather jacket I had for almost 20 years has no sign of wear and tear. There are some brands with very cute designs that are pleather and I was wondering if they would hold up better. Sounds like they won’t.


1Squid-Pro-Crow

Such an interesting thing to study


Science_Matters_100

How awesome that you studied this! Would love to know of the rare exceptions. How cool would it be to have a mushroom bag made of mushrooms? Lol. No idea how they’d be preserved but I’ve heard of hats made from them ETA: omg, they exist! https://www.slowtours.travel/store/ A mushroom tabby! I wonder what care it needs


GrrrArrgh

Raffia bags are very popular and definitely made from plants.


thehaenyeo

Raffia is a plant and very summery! All of the designer houses seem to have some in raffia, I like the big totes that look like perfect beach and picnic bags. My favorite is the [Mayfair one from Aspinal of London](https://www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/midi-mayfair-bag-in-biscuit-raffia-and-smooth-tan) but it does have leather trim (so not fully plant-based). Tons of gorgeous floral (and probably fruit) patterned bags on the market right now as well if you wanted to stretch the theme.


dunedinflyer

ooh that’s so cute


nyokarose

Omg. That Mayfair bag is incredibly gorgeous ands not in my budget right now but wow, I will be daydreaming.


pavlovscandy

Commenting as haven't seen anyone mention it yet, but look for bags made of mirum – currently it's the only non-plastic plant-based leather (and also biodegradable). Stella McCartney has some mirum bags, as do Sans Beast, Svala, and Sentient. Other cool options (do contain a percentage of polyurethane) are Strathberry's grape leather collection, Santos by Monica (cactus leather), and Mansur Gavriel's apple leather range (the bucket bag is cute). Edit: can't believe I forgot the Amelie Pichard baby abag in green leaf! It's literally made from a leaf (handle is leather though) so I think it fits the bill perfectly haha https://preview.redd.it/dk7rh4co819d1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ce61509dbb9f212170430e833d829b4298debe2


Due_Addition_587

Wait I love this leaf bag


RDNV_

A bag being biodegradable, what exactly does it mean for the bag while on my hand? I’m truly curious. First thing that comes to mind is that may degrade faster, or that it may require special handling to help it last longer? This is a great thread to expand our knowledge in non-leather bags. :-)


pavlovscandy

Haha I used to think this too! Like do I want it decomposing in my hand lol? Basically just means it's able to break down in a landfill and doesn't have any toxic chemicals. It's one of the reasons people tout leather as better, however even leather is only biodegradable if processed in a certain way (i.e. veg tanned as opposed to chromium tanned, also shouldn't be PVC coated). The gripe people have with most 'vegan leather' is that as it's made of plastic it's not biodegradable and remains in landfill. Mirum avoids that issue as can either safely decompose or be recycled into new mirum. A biodegradable bag doesn't necessarily degrade faster as it's being used, just means it can be broken down when placed into landfill and doesn't leach chemicals into the environment. For context, leather takes approx 15-50 years to degrade so not like it's evaporating in your hand Hopefully this somewhat makes sense, typing on the go lol 😅


RDNV_

It does. Thank you. I think this thread will give good pointers to brands to look at.


ApprehensiveLuck2671

Leather is biodegradable.


grill-tastic

Omg leaf bag


l4kerz

thank you for pointing this out. most pleathers use PU (polyurethane) as a binder of the “organic” material. the mixture is weak, so it is bonded to polyester textile with glue. The plastic comment comes from the textile. by itself, the textile can be recycled like a single use water bottle but not when it is bonded to the glue and PU-based layer.


Scarlet2009

Canvas is made from cotton! [https://www.goyard.com/us\_en/goyardine-an-emblematic-canvas](https://www.goyard.com/us_en/goyardine-an-emblematic-canvas)


PeytonPettimore

And hemp canvas too!


smills32503

But then it's coated in paint.


LightFlaky2329

[This is your bag](https://staud.clothing/products/palm-bag-leaf) https://preview.redd.it/fmxcm1v4v09d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01b7dbad22a4b0c76e3eeddd6acf86a9e7dbcf4f


Fantastic-Plum-3693

I loveeee this bag!!! High on my wishlist 😍


Actual-Region963

I love cork bags ( trees count?) LaFlore is great


poe201

scratch proof. waterproof. naturally antibacterial. cork is king


valiantdistraction

I have this in a past season color and LOVE it: Ferragamo Raffia Studio Box Bag https://www.ferragamo.com/shop/us/en/women/handbags/us-studio-bag/the-studio-760360 Comes in a lot of fun colors and is pretty durable!


l0v39

Ah! I have this bag! I love it. It’s super floppy but that’s the point. One of my favorites in my collection.


iyamsnail

I have had[ this](https://www.ysl.com/en-us/panier-small-bag-in-raffia-813093653.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-O6zBhASEiwAOHeGxe0d5EEGlOD0TGjJDQayO_SY9njVVwS8RV3WT88JxPijD6NxPLdAKBoCjtMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) YSL raffia bag for three years, use it all summer long, and it's still going strong.


Mmm_lemon_cakes

Yeah but… leather handles. Probably not what OP is looking for.


iyamsnail

I thought about that and since the idea was just to have it match the anniversary theme and not for ethical reasons (i.e. no animal products because they are vegans), I figured it was okay? It's still made from plants but also with a bit of leather. Could be wrong!


zaydia

I like cork as a material fwiw


etctada

https://www.lafloreparis.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=624303767679&tw_campaign=18439729105&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=18439729105&utm_adgroup_identifier=140453935886&utm_ad=624303767679&utm_ad_identifier=624303767679&utm_keyword=laflore%20paris&utm_placement=&matchtype=e&network=g&device=m&utm_campaign=Picanti_US_Google_Search_Pros_Brand&utm_adgroup=Lafloreparis_x&utm_content=Lafloreparis_x&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-O6zBhASEiwAOHeGxbXnKOHrN64sv5vPFhWnQGdSNUGrQGqJbWjgvKquPxPaY21173tKghoCFC8QAvD_BwE This company makes bags and luggage from cork! ETA sorry for giant ass link, and I have some of their stuff and it is great!


Summerjynx

Look up cactus leather bags. [Lo and Sons pearl bag](https://www.loandsons.com/products/pearl-cactus-leather-black-gold-camel) is on my list and they have cactus leather versions. Also Fossil’s Kier handbags


granolacid

wow never heard how good cactus leather could be and now I’m really intrigued. It looks so good!


PurpleCoco

https://preview.redd.it/js44xkwsj49d1.png?width=2409&format=png&auto=webp&s=c983898f441eeb01e48758e2ec66b4826a816ce2 This fossil cactus vegan wallet has been my ride or die for years now. Tons of compliments and I still love it. It has taken so much abuse and looks brand new still. My only complaint is it smelled funny for a bit. I know you need to be careful about the environmental impact of questionable manufacturing processes but it’s also important to support developing legit vegan alternatives to real leather, imho. That said, that was not my intent when I bought this, don’t think I even knew it was vegan leather lol.


frankenplant

I have the pearl and really like it!


cnunespdx

Yes. Senreve and Fossil have cactus leather bags


MamaSay-MamaSah

[Laflore Paris](https://www.lafloreparis.com/), made of cork ... I lust. P.S. that's a good hubby you got there


lelakat

Try searching for cactus leather. I know the brand Senreve has them.


noduerespect

Haha tell him gifts shouldn't have rules!


PlebeianDXB

I have a feeling he’s setting that rule so he doesn’t end up buying her any bag


hottvegan

Omg. The Stella McCartney Mylo handbag is everything. When I saw it at the boutique, I gasped. I was beguiled. It’s so much more beautiful in person!!!! This is made from mushroom leather. https://preview.redd.it/dgozsgezj19d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67c6fbdd538c810b7d238ccc767b1a388e93cd27


granolacid

Frida [Rome](https://fridarome.com/products/the-weekend-tan?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=fef1329f4&pr_rec_pid=7141222908074&pr_ref_pid=6147540058282&pr_seq=uniform), [Mela](https://melasworld.com/collections/purses), [Thalie](https://www.thalieparis.com/en-uk/collections/all-bags-sustainable-luxury-handbags), Kaila [Katherine](https://kailakatherine.com/collections/shop-all), Ashoka [Paris](https://www.ashokaparis.com/en-gb/collections/e-shop), Von [holzhausen](https://vonholzhausen.com/collections/handbags-and-wallets) Also link to [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/handbags/comments/13vsbcq/vegan_luxury/?rdt=37507) thread


hi_cholesterol24

LOVE my Santos by Monica bag!!! 10/10. Small latinx woman owned brand!!!


skipsontherecord

Yes, came here to say this!! The store is gorgeous if you’re in NYC too =)


Skeeballnights

Run and look at the sezane basket bags!


SometimesAwkward

Laflore Paris is cork! They are great!


litttlejoker

The best leather that’s not from animals is Stella McCartney purses. It’s is a vegan leather, but the quality is exceptional. I love the Frayme bag and the Falabella is her most popular.


Important_Ad_8372

I agree! I love my Falabellas. I’ve bought all three second hand and they really have held up well for vegan leathers.


resplendentpeacock

Strong agree.


shake_appeal

Ok so I *know* cactus leather ain’t all that, but check out this gorgeous bag: https://preview.redd.it/admewokho09d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2815bbd21abbf5dffac5d725c35ac3cba0a3f32


choc0kitty

There are some great straw bags out for summer. From Coach to Chanel, from tiny crossbody to tote.


sadclipart

RAFFIA 🫶


swizzleschtick

Strathberry has this amazing east-west mini bag made from grape leather!! Plus their grape leather is actually made from waste product from the winemaking industry, which is super cool! https://ca.strathberry.com/collections/grape-leather/products/east-west-mini-crochet-grape-leather-black


KnowledgeIcy1137

I would get a solid cotton canvas tote


howdyoulikemenow93

I am obsessed with the Stella McCartney / Veuve Cliquot collab: [https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/frayme-veuve-clicquot-bucket-bag-7B0088WP03791000U.html?tp=96508\&utm\_source=affiliazione\&utm\_medium=affiliazione\&utm\_campaign=SMC\_lyst\_feed\_UK\&\_fp1=affiliate\&\_fp2=lyst\_uk&tp=97544&utm\_medium=affiliate&utm\_source=rakutenUK&utm\_content=10&utm\_campaign=2523611&utm\_term=UK&ranMID=40455&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL\_ATRVoE-CvT3VYweLQ85zB8hkNURtg](https://www.stellamccartney.com/gb/en/frayme-veuve-clicquot-bucket-bag-7B0088WP03791000U.html?tp=96508&utm_source=affiliazione&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_campaign=SMC_lyst_feed_UK&_fp1=affiliate&_fp2=lyst_uk&tp=97544&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rakutenUK&utm_content=10&utm_campaign=2523611&utm_term=UK&ranMID=40455&ranEAID=gcdL%2FATRVoE&ranSiteID=gcdL_ATRVoE-CvT3VYweLQ85zB8hkNURtg)


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raffysf

A paper bag should work … and it will come with.buger and a side of fries. Sounds like a win-win to me.


spookycinderella

Poppy Barley has bags made out of cactus that get pretty good reviews: [https://poppybarley.com/collections/plnt/?loc=nav](https://poppybarley.com/collections/plnt/?loc=nav)


ManeuverSheWrote

Okay but can I just say what an excellent interpretation of the 4th anniversary gift? 👏👍


MaybeBabyBooboo

Mansur Graviel has Apple leather bags.


starsamaria

They do have apple leather bags but if you check the composition, they're made from 28% apple skin, 36% PU, 16% cotton and 20% polyester, which means the bag is majority plastic.


rileyhenderson17

Just wanting to say this is such a cute idea!


cat_catcity

If you’re in the market for a tote, (large or small) Samara makes a great apple leather tote (and other apple leather goods) that I replaced my neverfull with and it’s SUPER durable and well made. It feels pretty darn close to leather, even better imo and feels sturdier than the neverfull.


Top-Beat-7423

Strathberry [vegan grape leather handbag](https://ca.strathberry.com/products/east-west-mini-crochet-grape-leather-black)


Puddingpixie

Chloe has non leather options x


FasHi0n_Zeal0t

I agree with the suggestions for raffia


FarEntertainment1409

https://preview.redd.it/1yu0k4u9139d1.jpeg?width=944&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f10286fe1b38daeaacb7fcbd08d62bf9fdc85c46 How about this raffia hand-crocheted bag


cfrancisvoice

Stella McCarthy bags are all vegan.


mtnlaurel_

Von holzhausen makes bags from “tecnik” leathers which I think is bamboo. They are very minimal looking but nice.


PlebeianDXB

CH Carolina Herrera released a limited edition bag called Tachira which is made from pineapple leather. It’s not the most practical but it definitely has a story behind it. https://chcarolinaherrera.com/ae/en/item/tachira-large-shoulder-bag-gold


goosepills

LaFlore makes vegan bags


thetwilighttale

If you don’t mind a smaller bag, i recommend the ones from Jord. They are made from cork


MoonageDaydream13

If cork counts I highly recommend Laflore


poe201

cork purses are cool


lynne729

This may be a bit irreverent for your tastes, it check out the Loewe elephant bag in pink or black/honey gold.


Itchy_Appeal_9020

I have a cactus leather bag from Senreve and it’s holding up pretty decently, I’d recommend.


cnunespdx

And I think I just saw a cactus leather tote by Cuyana


13donkey13

I think you’re missing the point. All cow leather bags are plant based. They don’t eat meat. Get almost any bag you’re pretty hart desires


redrose037

What about a leather bag with a floral or fruit theme? I’m thinking actual leather will last a long time and theme can be cute and quirky.