I've long advocated against PU "vegan" leather. It's just not an environmentally conscious material. Thank you for your always informative videos.

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

Yes! Thank you!

I’ve inherited my grandmother’s leather handbags and they still look great. I would buy good quality real leather as it lasts a lifetime and it feels and smells great.

@AngelaReyeroMartinez

8 ай бұрын

Agree. Leather it's expensive and requires taking care of it periodically, but it can last ages. Totally worth it

@bridgiesue7

8 ай бұрын

I think most people's qualms with leather has to do with the treatment of animals, but realistically, deforestation and wreckage of other natural animal habitats to make farms to grow these "vegan leather" materials, as well as all the plastic it produces going to landfills and the ocean do just as much damage to animals in the long run, in my opinion. I've watched a lot of documentaries recently on how a lot of this push for vegan products ends up coming around and hurting animals in other ways, but people don't see if because it's not as sensational as footage of animals on farms. Usually leather is taken from cows that have already been used for meat, so these days since we consume more beef than leather, there is an extreme surplus of leather hides going to waste. To me, not using as much of the animal as possible is disrespecting nature, so (during this period at least) I am very comfortable with my decision to buy leather products.

@Zi_de_primavara

8 ай бұрын

Me, too! Still nothing better than real leather. And why not to process the skin of animals that we eat?

@drubee7793

8 ай бұрын

I’m keeping my designer leather bags for my future grand daughters. I hope they appreciate my collection one day.

Thanks you for making this video. I have been so confused about vegan products. Thank you for clearing up how much PU is used in “vegan” products and also detailing PUs properties. I love videos like this!! I love when you invite us in and share industry knowledge. Those are my favorite videos. I want to be an educated and ethical consumer. Hard to do this without the knowledge you provide. Thank you.

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

thank you so much!

Thank you for honest review! I'm still real leather girl. In terms of durability and resistance to damage and wear, there is nothing better. And for me, longevity is one of the most environmentally friendly property.

@stratospherica

8 ай бұрын

Yeah, I tend to go for real leather too, and I try to go exclusively for recycled leather, and if not that then leather that's a byproduct of the meat industry. I'm looking forward to seeing developments in plant-based leather alternatives though!

@alejandramoreno6625

8 ай бұрын

I agree with you. Nothing lasts as long as leather, and durability is the best solution.

@aerialpunk

2 күн бұрын

100%. To me it seems much more sustainable and ethical to use real leather as a by-product from other animal farming activities. Plastic fake leather is so much worse for the environment in so many ways.

I've bought exactly 2 vegan/pleather purses - one by accident - and both started out great but started cracking and peeling in under a year. I'm not inclined to waste money on these products ever again, especially when I still have almost every leather handbag I've ever bought and they are all still going strong. A good cobbler can restitch any loose stitches, re-attach hardware, recondition the leather, reline the interior etc. so you can keep your bags looking and functioning well for many decades.

I still purchase leather accessories whenever possible and always keep my eye open for leather items in good condition at the thrift store.

Well done for bringing this to our notice. I have several bags , some 40 years old, made from densely woven old woolen mini skirts and a few posher ones made from furnishing weight velvet all from charity shops. All lined with summer skirts from the same source The waistband taken off and used as handles. They were so cheap, quick and easy to sew and everyone admires them because they are unique. Heavy wool resists water allmost as well as leather and the sheep here take their clothes off every summer. Recycling is in many ways more kind to animals than spending time and effort attempting to fake leather in a lab where petrochemical products have to be used then disposed of in some elaborate clean up process. I could not put any of the materials that are 'Vegan' on my compost heap without harming the environment.

For me alternatives to leather is canvas and denim fabric. There is something about the aging that I like better in more natural fabrics. Even when it get more scruffy it exudes a comfortable style.

@tcookie

8 ай бұрын

Waxed cotton canvas even wears like leather over time, developing a patina

@robinlandtroop2774

8 ай бұрын

@@tcookie you're right. I had forgotten about it.

Thank you. I believe once the durability of the bag is put in the "sustainability equation", leather will always win. I love my leather bags and they last many years. I've also purchased some p.u. bags that did not stand the test of time. It's good to have a choice, but in my view leather bags, shoes and belts are irreplaceable.

Hi from Algeria, generally speaking I prefer leather for all its qualities. All these man made leathers are polluting, they neither last nor wear well, not just for handbags. Thanks for your informative videos.

I learned a lot from this video ❤ Speaking of my own experience with vegan leather, it is much better than what most comments say. I have a large handbag made of thicker material, possibly PU, that I use for work. 4.5 years in there are no signs of wear on the leather itself, just coating coming off the metal parts. I also have a small appleskin purse that I use a few times per month. It looks beautiful but is rather new at 1.5 years. Over a year ago I bought PU shirt and skirt, so far no issues, but I don't put them in the washer. I used animal leather in the past, it wasn't magic. Two pairs of leather shoes got cracks and formed actual holes. I haven't had that with any vegan material yet.

Thanks for making this video Justine, it's exactly what I've been trying to argue with vegan friends for years. I'm vegetarian and obviously do not eat meat, but while millions of people are and there is byproduct leather waste from the meat industry, we should use it (as indigenous people have been doing for centuries). If leather is tanned as sustainably as possible, it is so much more durable than vegan alternatives. I would far rather buy one handbag and pair of leather shoes that five vegan products that start peeling and falling apart and then have to go into landfill. Same with wool - so much better than polyester knits, much warmer, and it does not not hurt the sheep. I've had this argument with a vegan friend so many times, but I grew up on a farm and have seen thousands of sheep be shorn - they are fine.

I have a «vegan leather» bag from Ralph Lauren. I’ve had it for maybe four years, I use it all the time. It’s still beautiful and I don’t see any damage on it. I realy want your canvas bag, by the way😉. It’s beautiful!

Second hand leather!!! In my last trip to London, I thrifted a Pinko leather top and AllSaints leather skirt - both around 40 euros. It’s not only cheaper bit maximum ethical.

Imagine buying a Margiela “vegan leather” bag, and you get peeling plastic that yellows over time 😂

I love leather and always buy leather. It lasts, and you do not keep buying the same thing all over again because it falls apart. Now, another thing that I really like is cork! I have a purse and a hat, and they are beautiful, lightweight and, so far, holding together like a charm.

Merci beaucoup encore, Justine! I always learn so much from you, and unsurprisingly, as someone who has not consumed animal products in over 20 years, I've been on the lookout for affordable and psustainable vegan material options. I personally haven't seen anything other than PU. i've read about 🌵 and 🍍 material, and have been so curious to see a comparison. Now here you are doing JUST that! Parfait! 😘👌🏽

I appreciate you not forcing a material that just doesn't work. It's better to use what you know works and is actually natural...instead of pretending its something it isn't! The canvas looks great

I like that you’re aware of the problems with the vegan products. Canvas is a fantastic alternative!

Thanks Justine, I love your videos. My favourite? The one you eventually chose, the cotton canvas.

@macicowata

8 ай бұрын

but eco cotton! there is a huge difference between normal cotton and eco cotton in case of sustainbility

Thank you for your research, really well done. My option is to stay with leather. Just a little correction, pineapples don't grow on trees. Instead, pineapples are actually a type of flowering plant known as bromeliads.

I heard that there is a Portuguese company developing a vegan leather alternative using the byproducts of nearby vineyards. Not sure if it’s out in the market yet but seems promising

I try to buy second hand leather shoes and handbags (don't buy many handbags at all). This is the best option for me for now.

I have a jacquard bag that I made in about 1995. The colour has faded a little but it still looks good and people still ask me where I bought it. Fabric for the win! 👜

I used to buy PU bags but noticed that they lasted less than a year. I even started noting down the purchase date on labels inside the bag to see if maybe I was misremembering. A few years ago I switched to second hand leather bags.

For bags, canvas is my go-to material. For winter shoes however I've been hesitant to try leather alternatives. Could you do a video about vegan friendly winter shoes?

@MarsiaMS

8 ай бұрын

Not sure where you're based and what the winter temperatures are like for you, but here on the west coast of Canada I buy from Vessi, Matt&Nat and Dr. Martens. I also have Helly Hansen hiking boots that I wear with socks for the winter hikes.

Merci, Justine! I prefer real leather, especially for handbags, & have always considered leather alternatives as a cheaper, less durable option. As you might guess, I did learn a lot watching this video! The new vegan alternatives look beautiful, but still not flexible & durable enough even for garments. Thank you for sharing your analysis, which shows why cotton canvas is indeed a wise choice for your handsome vegan bags. Me? I'm waiting for delivery of my JL crossbody in leather. It will be my very first designer bag, & it looks like it was designed just for me.

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

yay! I hope you'll love this bag!

I appreciate the knowledge of "vegan" "leather" alternatives, and being an informed consumer. You touched on all the reasons that I have been leery of those alternatives. I have leather bags that are still holding up well after years, when the few "vegan leather" things I have purchased barely last a year. I'm looking forward to see how the mushroom alternative develops.

I've never thought of leather as 'luxurious.' It's a dead animal. We have a long way to go but I love that companies are trying to do better. Until then, canvas is my go to. Thanks for another great video, Justine.

Ouuufff I had no idea these newer alternatives like apple and pineapple were still laced with plastic. Thank you for the video!

What a beautiful knitted jumper! Thank you for the information, while I'm not Vegan myself, you don't carry a better burden than lots of knowledge.

@jenniferschmitzer3877

7 ай бұрын

It’s a super duper easy English rib with lots of decreases and increases. Quicker on a knitting machine than hand knit (takes ages). Have a jolie day!

You did a great job teaching us about the pros and cons of this product. I appreciate that you are using as environmental a product as is possible.

Oh my gosh your back!! Merci merci Missed you so much Madame Justine 💓

Thank you Justine for coming up with products that don’t exploit animals. 🎉

@user-no2mz9hl4f

8 ай бұрын

💯! I’ll take a beautifully designed canvas bag over cow skin any day.

@allermenchenaufder

8 ай бұрын

@@user-no2mz9hl4f Precisely. Killing of innocent defenseless individuals is barbaric.

Leather and cotton canvas are two of my favorite bag materials. Thank you for sharing the information.

@LilLadyAy

8 ай бұрын

Same ❤

Thank you so much Justine. I’ve been waiting for this. I’m interested in how the cactus one develops. Hopefully it will improve.

So glad you addressed this question! I was wondering why you only offer a canvas option as a vegan one. I personally use Alexandra K 75% corn leather handbags, they say that corn leather is supposed to be especially durable. I really love the overall design of your bags, the geometric lines are wonderful! ❤❤❤But I wish that you would offer a vegan option that would look more luxe and would come in a more neutral colour. The current one is cool, but the canvas combined with a somewhat military-looking green gives a too casual vibe for me even though I certainly understand that there is a niche to it and it is a cool look on its own. I just don't see it working with any of my outfits, which are perhaps more formal and somewhat more feminine. I wonder whether a linen canvas (with natural linen tone) might work. I could imagine it as a great summer bag! Lots of love and excited to see how your bag line develops! ❤

A friend of mine works for the company that developed the BioFabbrica Bio-Tex™ that Tory Burch is using for vegan bags, which feels Very nice. Unfortunately right now, it's only 60% plant material. It's not made from mushroom, but as I understand it, it sort of sounds like the scoby from probiotic kombucha drinks.

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

interesting, will look into it

I've been curious about this since you posted a video about the fabric fair thing you went to. I am always wondering about new fabrics and their properties and where the market is going. SUPER interesting!

There is a type of vegan leather which is made of cellulose from pineapple leaves and petroleum resin. It is commercially named as Pinatex and Dr. Carmen Hijosa invented it.

Thank you so much!! I had no idea that the other plant-based alternatives were even on the market LOL. And sadly, plastic coated 😢 it sucks that they don’t disclose that or try to remediate that, which makes me feel like they’re just trying to capitalize on “going green” without actually going green. Which is a LOW play in my book.

I have intuitively believed that so-called vegan material is not environmentally friendly. The fact that it has a petroleum odor is my biggest clue. Thanks for this update. Now I’d like to see more information about the leather you’ve chosen to use.

Thanks for a great video, would be lovely to add these information (about the vegan leather parts) on the websites, like e.g. the 1% PU in it. I’m glad to hear you put so much thought into the vegan collection and decided to go canvas with the options of vegan materials you just presented. Great work and research, thanks for making a difference and raising awareness in the fashion industry!

Fabric stores in the US sell a fashion fabric called microsuede. It's polyester, so oil based. Your Stella McCartney bag 2:15 has a similar drape and movement. The fact that it doesn't disclose the fabric content makes me think it's some version of microsuede. I prefer leather for its durability - every PU bag I've ever owned has shown damage relatively quickly, whereas my leather bag is worn but not falling apart. Your canvas version is a beautiful alternative!

I bought a mushroom leather jacket and a hat about 25 years ago in Romania 🇷🇴( in Transilvania) from the “ ciupercă iesca” and I still have them. They feel and look like suede leather ( in various shades of natural brown stitched together) and they are supper comfortable and breathable. I’m surprised the sample you saw was really stiff - I guess it depends on how thick it was - my jacket is probably 2 mm thick and it’s super soft but durable - I have worn it a loooot ! As for cleaning - I just used a normal eraser to scratch out the dirt and it worked wonderful. That being said - all the poliester potions are a big no for me- they don’t last and as a result much more resources are used in producing them and having them rot on a field somewhere than using actual leather that lasts for life if well taken care of. I have some of my grandmothers handbags including and feel proud wearing them. You can’t save the planet by wearing plastic - you can save it by owning fewer but better quality things that you will use a long time. No fast fashion for me ❤. Thank you for the wonderful videos and all the work you put into them❤❤❤

This was very helpful, thank you! Because of all the plastic with the vegan leathers, and also it not lasting well, I have gone over to buying only second hand real leather. And if new, then nothing like leather, somthing like canvas, like your bag :)

Thanks for the video, I didn’t know about cactus leather, very interesting! Just a little word choice note, pineapples don’t grow from trees, they are from the Bromeliaceae family, which are an ancient family of grass-like plants. They kind of look like agave and kind of like big grass plants and the pineapples grow out of the top in the most ridiculous looking fashion.

*ONE MILLION YT Subs* !!!! Congrats --most deserving Justine

Oh I was hoping you would have mentioned cork leather! It seems to have all the properties that people are looking for in vegan leather except maybe for the smooth appearance of real leather (which maybe could be improved with some sort of dyeing process?). Have you heard of this material?

@zilam98

8 ай бұрын

was wondering about cork too! thanks for bringing that up

Hi Justine: As always you are right on point re PU - as for Vegan - I like actual leather that is a byproduct of the killing and dressing of the animals we eat - those of us who are not vegetarian have a duty not only to see to the welfare of the animals, careful attention to making sure we use all of the animal - and for the non leather, I prefer either canvas or various plant based plant fibers.....until one thinks of what they do to fields where they grow regular cotton: the chemicals involved are concerning.....I have heard about the mushroom idea- the "devil" will be in the details of production renewability and utility.......sounds wonderful. I feel the other thing we have, as I learned from you, to watch out for is green washing.....G

I like second hand handbags, in leather. Some I like to restore. But I also get ones which I rebuild into a new bag.

Can you please look at the process of making of leather? I love your handbag choice.

Thanks Justine, I prefer the cotton canvas too

Hello Justine, I wait and wait for an update video on the concerning problems of your fascinating (at least to me, I love it) old house. And I eat a vegan diet so thank you for opening my eyes to this vegan materials issue.

I was gifted a faux leather handbag last year and you have inspired me to research what it is made of. The company website says that they use PVB (polyvinyl butyral) from 100% recycled windshield glass resin for the faux leather and 100% recycled plastic bottles for the lining. I guess it is still made with petroleum products but I wonder if re-using pre-made materials to make a new product is more or less environmentally conscious choice than a product that doesn't use petroleum products at all. At least it diverted items from a landfill.

@glitterberserker1029

8 ай бұрын

From what I've seen it's not particularly "green". Once you recycle something like plastic water bottles into fabric that's basically it. It can't be reused in any way after that. Also this is just personal experience but the fabric made from recycled materials is always pretty bad. It probably won't be nearly as much of a pain with a bag but I bought a pair of pants made of recycled plastic and the problems really showed in that context. It's definitely not the worst option but it's probably more about marketing than it is about environmental impact.

@carolinedelisle589

8 ай бұрын

@@glitterberserker1029 You make good points. Although my bag cannot be further recycled, hopefully I can use it for a long time, and it can be gifted/traded/sold to be re-used by someone else eventually.

@sparklie962

8 ай бұрын

@@glitterberserker1029 Agreed. I recently saw a news program on this very issue - and they concluded that taking plastic bottles out of their closed loop recycling system and turning them into non-recyclable consumer products like polar fleece or pleather is not a good option for the planet.

Not about vegan alternatives, but a video topic suggestion: in outerwear(especially sportswear and shoes), coated fabrics with flourides seems become the standard(it is also in shoes) for waterrepellents, while PU is bad(I don't miss the pu rain coats), PFAS are somehow worse at degrading(and very little disclosure on how the items are treated with). So discussing alternatives to PU and PFAS. treatments and fabrics.

this topic couldn't have come more timely for me as i'm looking for more leather items such as leather sneakers, bags, jackets, boots while being more eco conscious of my choices. thank you so much for putting this video out!

Justine, excellent taste. Thank you for your wonderful posts. Happy Weekend.

Excellent, well researched information. You are my go-to for up to date accurate information regarding these matters. Many thanks, Justine ❤

Genuine top grain leather for me. Will literally last for generations whether it’s a purse, shoes, gloves, coats or furniture.

Thank you for your expertise! The JL clutch is snazzy!

Thank you so very much for caring about all these issues! I stopped buying leather because I love the cows. However, I didn't consider the environmental impact of the fake leathers! So now I know! This informative video is giving me lots of food for thought! I appreciate you!

I hope they keep experimenting with the cactus alternative and find a way to use less oil-based materials (assuming that is why it was not disclosed), because anything that saves on water is probably a good idea moving forward.

I like canvas. I especially like the top zipper closure. That is one of the features I look for in a bag.

Question: What do we do with the animal skins of those that have been eaten? To throw them away would be so wasteful. My take is that we use what we've got for now until there is a better, more environmentally friendly option. (We won't mention all the supermarket products made and stored in plastic!) Thanks Justine for showing us the choices. Personally, I use leather bags that last me for many many years so that I don't produce more waste and they stay looking good, so as long as animals are being eaten.......

Thank you so much for your professional expertise and advice. I shared with a vegan friend who I know will be interested. I was so skeptical about polyurethane and pleather-like products from their earlier uses in clothes and furniture and so was baffled why they would have gained popularity now.

Thanks for explaining the innovations for vegan leather, with enough time perhaps we can get there with apples, pineapple leaves, or cactus.

Justine … I am so so so in love with your videos … Also , I sadly can’t afford your first bag launch ( it’s a me problem ) however … I showed 2 friends ,, one has bought … she is very conscious of the quality and the problems with fashion and has been a close friend for decades now . She saw that your product was leagues beyond anything we see in Canada … and the price wasn’t as far out of her budget … I’m excited to see it … I’ve watched for years and I am so happy to see this video in particular because of the lying I see going on with … ( Ahem ) certain cars and other leather products who say one thing and then refuse to show or say how it’s less harmful to the environment… it’s insane … ty for being you and not comprising

A year ago I bought a clutch-style wallet made from cactus "leather." I've been very happy with the look, feel, & wear. And so far it's held up very well & still looks new! However had I known more of about the "other materials" involved in creating this alternative to leather perhaps I would have opted for the real leather. Yet, it's my understanding that the manufacturing of quality leather has its own environmental issues, least of which is the obvious? It's truly an ethical conundrum. 😟

Id love to hear about your opinion/experience with cork. I believe that there is a French designer (LeFlour or something like that) that is using cork. As for me, my favorite way of buying is thrifted materials--some leather, some canvas, some woven.

the SM handbags are made from "Alter-nappa leather" a combination of polyester and polyurethane.

I love your videos and always learn something new. I'm working on a project about climate change and became very aware of the problems. So, this helps me to understand and do my share of choosing better solutions for sustainability. Not to mention trying to be a conscious buyer.

Justine, thank you so much for describing the available alternatives! I always struggle between ethical and ecological materials. Unfortunately, currently, there is still no leather-like option that would allow us to check both checkboxes. I just hope that bright minds will invent something versatile and affordable soon.

Hey Justine thank you so much for this very clear and thorough explanation. Messages of such great quality are so rare on the social media! The choice between real and faux leather is difficult indeed...my solution is second hand leather. Hope to hear from you soon!

I learn so much from you! Looked at the collection and it is brilliant! 👌 Btw. love your sweater! ❤

Thanks for this breakdown of vegan "leather"! I'd love more tips about purchasing leather handbags secondhand, ideally at different price points (designer and non-designer). I believe you've covered designer bag shopping tips before, but I'd love to see something for a modest budget (think $100-200 USD for a secondhand item).

En tant "qu'amoureuse" de beaux sacs en cuir, je me tourne généralement vers la seconde main. J'ai trouvé des pépites sur Poshmark et VC.

I love learning about the different considerations from a design perspective! It’s good to know that PU yellows over time, and that the plant-based leathers are also mixed with PU. I was curious to know what material had the 1% PU you mentioned that you use in your bags?

It's good that you have a critical look at leather alternatives and we should always try to do better. However, the science is quite clear on the fact that even PU has a much much smaller footprint than leather itself. The amount of toxins needed to keep an animal hide from rotting is stupendous, and workers from third world countries pay a heavy price. 'Natural' is not necessary good (and leather isn't even natural), and 'oil-based' products(needing an amount of oil comparable to the 'oil' needed to do a single commute) deserves a thorough but fair scrutiny, not out-of-hand demonization.

Thank you for this information - I am not strictly vegan but I am very interested and it is nice to get actual information next to all the greenwashing

This was very informative. I hope they continue to develop non-leather options that are sustainable.

What a great education on the options. Cotton canvas is what I would choose. Thank you.

The mushroom option does sound interesting, but the issue with leather like products is always the question if it contains fossil based components. I wonder if Hemp could be a good alternatif for cotton in the future. I know it's being grown more and more in France, like in the Champagne region for example. And it does require less water to grow. But that material seems to be more at the beginning of its journey (well it was heavily used at one time, but that doesn't mean it's market ready now).

I prefer leather. These alternatives, over time, get sticky surfaces that disintegrate, even though I stored them in fabric bags. Leather, if well cared for, will last decades. Which is friendlier to the environment? Love the style of your new bags. Just wish they offered a 100% leather version.

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

There are leather bags in my collection!

@m.a.p.g.

8 ай бұрын

@@justineleconte 🙃 I’ll have to look again.

Thank you, Justine!

"Plastics, Benjamin" [reference no one will get, ha!] As a subscriber, I value your analysis here and agree with it. As a vegan, I have faith that our people will come up with solutions to the ethical problems inherent in animal skin production, that will be increasingly more natural, sustainable, and analogous in durability and malleability to animal skin. For now, your very cleverly designed canvas bag will do! Thanks for posting!

@lisadavis4133

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I get the reference😃

Justine, I learn so much from you! Thank you!

Thank you for the breakdown, i knew generally but not specifics. i'm most curious about mushroom leather!

this is why i default to leather. buying once may be the most sustainable.

I'd be really curious to know your opinion on cork leather. I love the look, the warm touch and soft feeling of it, and for me it's the best and most sustainable leather alternative - I'm no expert though 😅

Always relevant. Answering actual qs. Thank you!

These leather alternatives seem to be at a holding pattern waiting for suitable PU alternatives. They wouldn't need to be exactly like PU, but they need a good adhesive and and good surfacing material. The Stella McCartney looked like they might have tried some other surfacing materials using the embossing to create flex.

Excellent video topic! Thank you so much for producing.

Thank you so much for this video. Everyone needs this knowledge ❤❤❤❤❤

@justineleconte

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you for breaking down all the options currently on the market. I have come to the conclusion, at least for me, the answer is to buy less. When I do buy, I buy resell when possible. I have purchased vegan tennis shoes that I do like (Vejas).

This video is so important!!! ❤❤❤❤

This was so interesting! Thanks

Thanks Justine!

Thank you for sharing this video which I thought was very informative. I really like that green bag of yours 🙂

Thanks you so much for this video. Very usefull 😊