First Impressions
Admittedly, I was very naive to the vegan options out there when it comes to fashion, specifically hand bags + purses. I didn’t seek out vegan bags at first, they sort of sought me out. After checking out new brands on a wholesale site I have an account with, I became smitten when I spotted the stylish brand Hozen. After checking out their items, how they were made and the brands philosophy in general, I knew it would be a fit and great to include vegan fashion for those interested and devoted to it.
THE BREAKDOWN:
A FEW DIFFERENT MATERIALS/METHODS USED IN VEGAN BAG CREATION
CACTUS LEATHER
In Mexico, there is a cactus plant, Nopal, which requires very little water and can be harvested without killing it. Enter innovative brand Desserto, comprised of designers Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, who are responsible for utilizing this amazing sustainable resource. After research and commitment, they have brilliantly cultivated their own species of the Nopal plant indigenous to the area it grows, allowing for consistent harvesting of the leather-like material.
Once harvested (every 6-8 months) the water efficient, CO2 absorbing raw material is treated, without any toxic chemicals. Because it is so convincing and smooth like leather, it can be referenced as vegan “leather,” if so desired. Beyond the luxurious appeal, it is waterproof, durable and biodegradable.
Cork Leather
Let’s head to the Mediterranean (no really, can we?!), hitting up the regions where the Cork Oak trees call home. Spain, Portugal and France are where they reside and provide their cork for the leather alternative, interestingly enough, it is believed that harvesting these babies can prolong their life up to 300 years.
Oak trees have to be the ripe age of 25 to be harvested initially, however, their cork is unusable first round. Following its first harvest, the bark can be consistently chipped off by extractors every nine years. It needs to be dried for six months, boiled, steamed to support elasticity and then shaved into thin sheets from their block molds.
POLYURETHANE LEATHER (PU)
Poly Urethane is a thermoplastic polymer which results in a convincing looking leather alternative. It is soft like the real stuff with a slight texture, weather resistant and durable. PU is utilized in producing a lot of non animal leather out there.
The caveat here is that it is far too easy to confuse PU with PVC or Vinyl, which is far more damaging to the environment and will not break down for hundreds of years. In order to ensure the better option, reading the label and doing some quick research will help as well as to make sure it is 100% vegan, if that is what you are seeking, as a PU coating can be mixed with animal leather for a hybrid leather, often referred to as Bycast or Bicast leather. Another important thing to consider as well is who the brand or corporation is responsible for the product. Cost, quality and their carbon footprint will vary depending on values and goals of the manufacturer.
NOTABLE VEGAN HANDBAG + PURSE DESIGNERS/BRANDS BELOW (Link will lead you to source article and individual brand links)
Hozen Alkeme Frida-Rome Stella McCartney Angela Roi Luxtra
Hozen Alkeme Frida-Rome Stella McCartney Angela Roi Luxtra
