Products are independently chosen by our editors, and purchases via our site links may earn us a commission. Please note that the bags showcased in the top picture of this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not available for sale. Prices listed are valid at the time of publishing and subject to change without advance notice.
Gone are the days when sustainability was merely a buzzword. Today, it's a movement, a lifestyle and a commitment to preserving our planet for generations to come. And guess what? Fashion is no exception - far from it, in fact. As fashion influencers, we have witnessed first-hand the evolving landscape of the industry, where sustainability has taken centre stage, and for all the right reasons. While here at Clutched our focus is on luxury brands, it can’t be denied that the creation of renewable materials for use in high end brands is solely important for the higher end of the global fashion world. More and more, we see fast fashion is starting to take a back seat in the industry and how the luxury brands approach sustainability will no doubt forge the path for the rest of the trade to follow.
We can’t talk about sustainability in fashion without one name coming to the forefront of the conversation. This particular designer has never used leather, feathers, skin or fur in any of her creations since the inception of her brand in 2001. No one embodies sustainability and the singular vision towards development of new, eco-friendly materials than the OG of ethical design & craftsmanship, Stella McCartney. A lifelong vegetarian, as was her mother, Stella McCartney pioneered the road towards sustainable materials for use in high fashion and has been a constant and vocal ambassador for finding ethical alternatives for luxury production.
This last week, we saw Taylor Swift flashing her eco-credentials when she wore her Stella McCartney Logo Mini Bag while dancing to the latest Ice Spice tunes with boyfriend, Travis Kelce, protectively allowing her a little space to dance and be normal. I think that the biggest take away from this is that by choosing a Stella McCartney piece, Taylor is helping to normalise alternative materials for high end wear. This bag, in particular, is made of Stella’s signature Smooth Alter Mat leather alternative which is consciously created using synthetic leathers produced from plant-based materials and alternatives to oil, while retaining the look and feel of traditional leather.
Stella doesn’t just promote her line’s adherence to animal and cruelty free materials, she actively advertises her commitment to the environment using embroidered fabrics that clearly show her she is battling for industry-wide sustainability. A perfect example of this is the SOS Embroidered Large Tote Bag which would also be a fantastic addition to your festival garb this summer. At Stella McCartney, the brand makes it clear that every day is Earth Day. Their SOS Capsule celebrates Earth and sustainable materials, crafted from 100% conscious fabrics. This tote bag is cut from soft, Dune beige organic cotton canvas, embroidered with SOS on the front. Equipped for multitasking, it’s topped with Amazon green handles and stitched with a contrasting panel on the bottom, so you can carry all your groceries and day-to-day essentials, while bringing awareness to our planet.
I think we can all agree that the right handbag is a reflection of our personality, our style and more frequently, our values. Enter the era of vegan leather, a revolutionary material that's making waves in the fashion world. What makes it so special, you ask? Well, for starters, it's cruelty-free. No animals harmed, just pure, guilt-free luxury. But that's not all - vegan leather is kinder to the environment, requiring fewer resources and emitting fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional leather production.
At Clutched, we are on board the sustainability train and we can’t help but recognise another fantastic female entrepreneur and fashionista who, may she rest in peace, paved the way for female expression and had an unstoppable commitment to the planet is Dame Vivienne Westwood. The quintessential British designer whose sometimes controversial edge set the high fashion world on fire - she was a revolutionary in her politics and expressed them in her designs. A fantastic example of her unique designs can be seen in the Hazel medium bag which is made from leather alternatives and features this season's updated bio-green fabric, finished with a Saffiano-embossed texture. This piece is complete with a classic metal orb branding, evoking Vivienne's vision of launching tradition into the future.
But sustainability isn't just about the materials; it's about the entire lifecycle of a product. From design to production to disposal, every step matters. That's why it's crucial to support brands that prioritise ethical practices and transparency. Another great example of handbags that are made with this kind of material integrity is the Anya Hindmarch I Am A Plastic Bag In-Flight Tote. This unique bag is crafted from an innovative, coated canvas that’s made from recycled plastic bottles. Your passport, important travel documents, charger and earphones all have their own dedicated pockets, and there’s space for a water bottle, a fob for keys, and a removable clear pouch for liquids. It also has a convenient sleeve to pull over the back of a luggage trolley.
As influencers, we have the power to shape trends and drive change. We choose to use our platform to advocate for sustainability, to celebrate brands that are leading the way, and to inspire others to make mindful fashion choices. Together, we can redefine what it means to be stylish in the 21st century – because when it comes to fashion, sustainability is always in vogue.
A chic and compact bag made from recycled-nylon, this bag gives a rectangular silhouette with a fold-over flap and the iconic brand plaque on front - perfect for your travels or just a night out.
This beautifully handcrafted basket woven handbag is roomy enough to pack for a picnic and light enough to accompany you out on a day’s shopping trip; with adjustable carrying handles, structured shape and brand-embossed leather patch at front, this bag is a great day bag and fit as an all-purpose tote.
Part of the Project Earth for Nature collection, this stylish woven bag from Jacquemus is priced reasonably at £415 and has a classic basket shape with buttoned double top handles, double straps, plus a brand plaque and patch pocket at front. Adorned with silver hardware, this makes a terrific day bag as well.
Share your thoughts and experiences on our social media platforms, and let's keep the conversation going. Don't forget to explore our diverse collection and read more insightful articles on fashion trends and tips. Follow us and subscribe to our newsletter for more fashion insights and updates. Let's dive into the world of tiny treasures together!
