When it comes to ethical fashion, whether it’s clothing or handbags, defining ethics remains a thorny issue.
What is an ethical handbag?
However, we can summarize the matter as follows.
An ethical handbag is a bag:
- made from eco-responsible materials (natural, organic, recycled materials, etc.);
- produced under correct working conditions
- which provides fair compensation for all those involved in the production chain.
It is therefore a handbag designed and manufactured with respect for the environment and people.
Vegan or ethical: what are the differences?
It is entirely possible to find vegan and ethical handbags. We are thinking in particular of handbags made from vegetable leather.
But vegan does not necessarily mean ethical .
A vegan handbag is a bag made from materials that are not of animal origin. For example, leather and wool are completely prohibited. They are recognizable thanks to labels like PETA or cruelty free .
However, this does not mean that any particular effort is made for the preservation of the environment or for the working conditions of the workers. Thus, a handbag produced from plastic by children may be vegan, but absolutely not ethical.
Why choose an ethical handbag?
In the leather goods industry, leather is a very common material. Except that the products used for tanning and coloring leather are often a disaster for the environment and the people who handle them.
Therefore, it is better to choose a bag that assures you that no harmful products have been used.
How to recognize a responsible bag?
Transparency is key when it comes to ethical fashion. The label and product description sheet must expressly mention the materials used and the country of origin.
To more easily identify an ethical handbag, you can refer to ethical fashion labels.
Generally speaking, choose a quality handbag that will last over time.
Bag trends
Ethics and trend are not incompatible. Quite the opposite! Ethical fashion brands that offer leather goods like Matt & Nat create very trendy models.
We particularly like:
- the ethical backpack. Feminine and ultra practical, you can store all your things in it without compromising on style;
- the tote bag which is chic and large enough;
- the shoulder bag to keep your hands free;
- the bucket bag for a touch of originality.
An ethical handbag can also be a second-hand handbag or a bag that has been upcycled to give it a new life.
