Back when I was styling, I had a passion for championing sustainable brands and introducing them to my clients. Working with standout swimwear labels like Stay Wild Swim and collaborating with HURR Collection for red carpet events was always a highlight. Shopping responsibly is crucial—did you hear about Dior producing $2,800 bags for just $57 in questionable workshops? Paying workers as little as $2 an hour is concerning!

Luckily, we now have an array of amazing choices with cool, smaller sustainable brands. Not only do they create incredible products, but they're also leading the charge for a brighter fashion industry.

Here are our top five favourite sustainable bag brands that are sure to capture your heart, including the fabulous Bembien and Aketekete.

 

1. BEMBIEN

Why We Love Them: Because they are simply cool! Bembien is an accessories and lifestyle brand rooted in timeless design and artisan craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade in small, thoughtful batches using techniques passed down through generations.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Materials: Their rattan, raffia, and elephant grass styles are handwoven from locally sourced natural materials. 
• Production: Each Bembien piece is handmade in small batches by artisans who are experts in their craft. One Bembien handbag takes up to 10 days to complete from start to finish.

Our Pick: The "Marni Bag" – a super chic, on-trend style that will elevate any outfit.

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2. AKETEKETE

Why We Love Them: They make the perfect basket bags! Aketekete stands out for its commitment to sustainability and social impact. Their super stylish bags are handmade in Ghana, supporting local communities.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Materials: Aketekete uses up-cycled and sustainably sourced materials, including recycled plastic and natural fibers.
• Production: They employ local artisans, providing fair wages and contributing to community development projects.

Our Pick: The "Butterfly Bag in Small Black" – durable, eco-friendly, and stylish, ideal for everyday use for any outfit.

 

3. WICKER WINGS:

Why We Love Them: Wicker Wings is a charming family-run brand, inspired by their Grandma's story of making baskets to support her family in China. Their strong family values shine through in every piece they create.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Materials: Responsibly sourced rattan from the Indonesian rainforest, which takes seven years to mature and absorb CO2. It's hand-cut and delivered to small villages, far from city life.
• Production: Ethical practices with skilled female weavers transforming the rattan into iconic handbag shapes.

Our Pick: The "Bayo Bag" – Your perfect daily companion, combining effortless style with practicality for carrying all your essentials.

4. STELLA MCCARTNEY:

Why We Love Her: Stella McCartney is a trailblazer in sustainable luxury fashion, seamlessly blending high-end design with eco-friendly practices. She is a powerhouse, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Materials: Uses innovative materials like vegan leather, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics to minimise environmental impact.
• Innovation: Embraces ethical manufacturing practices, focusing on reducing water usage, energy consumption, and waste.

Our Pick: The "Logo Top Handle Cross-Body Bag" – sleek, and forever timeless - this vegan style can be held by hand or slung effortlessly across any outfit.

 

5. BEEN LONDON:

Why We Love Them: BEEN LONDON is a London-born brand that creates simple, classic everyday bags with just enough edge to make any outfit pop.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

• Materials: Uses recycled polyester and organic cotton, with a strong focus on durability.
• Production: Designed in Hackney, East London, and handcrafted in very limited quantities in specialist leather workshops in the UK.

Our Pick: The "Cecelia Himalayan Salt Cross-Body Bag" – an eco-friendly twist on a classic, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Choosing a sustainable bag brand means you're voting for ethical practices, minimising environmental impact, and often celebrating traditional craftsmanship. Whether you need an everyday tote or a chic evening bag, these brands offer gorgeous, sustainable options you'll absolutely love.

We hope we've inspired you with our favourite sustainable bag brands!

Holly🌻