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Vegan

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Vegan bags and shoes

13 replies

Sendmetobarbados · 17/02/2021 07:27

Since going vegan I'm planning to sell my leather goods (Mulberry bags, All Saints leather jacket, boots). No idea where to start looking for vegan alternatives. Can anyone recommend nice ethical brands? I'm a former luxury leather snob fan so this is all new to me 🙈

I'm undecided whether faux leather is the way to go, or whether it'd be better to have completely different materials that aren't masquerading as the real thing (in the same way I avoid mock meat). Any thoughts? Thanks Smile

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SeeyouontheothersideofCovid · 17/02/2021 07:36

I would think again about selling on your cherished leather goods. They are clearly quality items and with care will look good and last for a long time, ie are very sustainable. The animals that made up those goods have already gone, so the damage is done so to speak.

The thing with faux leather in my view is that it's manufactured plastic, possibly will not last as long and not as good for the environment. I have had some faux items and after a while the fabric starts to disintegrate so you may have to replace them more frequently.

Please think, if your leather goods give you pleasure, I think it would be better to keep and treasure them (and resolve to buy no more of them!)

WomenAreBornNotWorn · 17/02/2021 07:39

I did the same op. I gave them all to family and friends. Having a leather handbag would not align with my moral beliefs.

SeeyouontheothersideofCovid · 17/02/2021 07:40

alternatively sell your unwanted luxury leather goods to me

Ginfordinner · 17/02/2021 07:41

DD only buys vegan footwear. Doc Martens have a good vegan range.

Mumdiva99 · 17/02/2021 07:44

Miatui bags are faux leather, vegan friendly.
miatui.com/

idontlikealdi · 17/02/2021 07:57

Selling the leather goods on doesn't seem right to me ethically.

Sendmetobarbados · 17/02/2021 14:15

Thanks for all your thoughts on this. It's a tricky one! Yes, part of me wants to keep the goods as they're all useable. However, I can't help feeling guilty about owning them, despite the fact I bought them before I adopted the vegan lifestyle. I suppose my other concern is about other people's perceptions - eg worry that people will judge me for carrying a flashy leather bag while purporting to care about animals' lives. Gosh, it's a minefield.

Maybe I should treat my accessories like I'm treating my non-cruelty-free cosmetics. I may as well use them now they've been bought...just make sure I never buy them again! X

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MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 17/02/2021 14:17

I wouldn't sell what I already had. You'll regret it I think. Just don't buy any more. The only vegan bag I ever owned cost me £70 and split after a few months of careful use. Bags are made of leather for a reason.

SeeyouontheothersideofCovid · 17/02/2021 14:31

People will judge you anyway, leather or no leather accessories! They will judge you just for being vegan. I'm afraid you're going to need to develop a tough hide regardless (excuse the pun).

As you say, use them, love them, look after them now you've bought them. That is the kindest way you can appreciate the animals' sacrifice.

1940s · 17/02/2021 14:49

I'm vegan and kept all my old leather. My black leather jacket I believe could last me a lifetime and a large part of my veganism has lead me to sustainability and being low key materially. Anything new I've needed I've gone non vegan. Also unless your preaching with a megaphone about animal cruelty abs carrying a mulberry I wouldn't worry about perception. As a vegan you'll get judged anyway. You'll need a thick skin regardless as people are always looking to pick apart your ethics

AlmightyBob · 17/02/2021 15:18

I'm vegan and I kept my leather shoes when I made the transition. I thought about giving them away but in the end it felt better to use them. Also my mother in law gave me a yak wool scarf a couple of Christmases ago, I already was vegan then but I didn't want to reject her kind gift or pass it on, both felt wrong, so I wear it. Like others have said, there will always be someone to find fault, you've got to do what you feel is right.

Otherwise I do have some vegan DMs (I'm not sure if DMs are your thing) and they are great, especially for winter because they're so warm.This is their second year, I wear them all the time and they still are in great nick.

AnnoyedAtEverything · 17/02/2021 17:22

Vendula do some really cute bags, very quirky. I’ve got a couple of bags and a purse and the quality is good.

Sendmetobarbados · 17/02/2021 18:57

Thanks, you've all been really helpful. I've decided on balance to keep my stuff. I suppose all this head scratching is part of the process of transitioning to a new lifestyle. Lots to think about...

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