Leading the sustainability conversation, Anita Dongre launches her very own line of vegan accessories
The collection includes bags and belts crafted from a plant-based, plastic-free material called Mirum.
Leather is a ubiquitous material in the world of fashion—everything from sneakers and handbags, to jackets would be impossible to make without it. But the leather industry is a notorious environmental and ethical offender—it not only subjects animals to cruelty but also pollutes waterways that end up making entire neighbourhoods dangerous to live in because of the carcinogens present in the waste.
With the conversation around the negative effects and ethics of leather reaching a crescendo, more and more fashion labels are making an effort to promote vegan alternatives—and Anita Dongre is the latest one to do so.
Her newest launch sees her foray into the luxury accessories arena with vegan handbags and belts. And with a lot of vegan leather being made from plastic which is just as harmful for the environment, it was Dongre’s mission to make her line plant-based. She says, “The vegan accessories line is a dream come true with material sciences presenting us with leather alternatives that are luxurious and high-quality while being cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.” The launch edit is made using a new material called Mirum that has already been used by global brands like Ralph Lauren, Melina Bucher, and Pangaia among others. It is plant-based, 100 per cent recyclable, bio-neutral, and doesn’t use any plastic. You’ll also find recycled glass beads on some of the bags in the collection.
Dongre explained that the new line is for women who wear their values on their sleeve. Browse through bags in elegant, timeless silhouettes that are given the designer’s synonymous touch with gold chains, buckles, and clasps. The collection is all black, save for champagne gold shoulder bag embellished with glass beads. Other accessories in the edit include the eye-catching Swan Mini Grab bag that features a gold swan handle, the classy Birds of a Feather crossbody bag, and the Haathi belt that features the brand’s elephant logo.
And the best part? Five per cent of proceeds from the sale of these accessories will be donated to the India Animal Fund that works towards animal welfare.
All images: Anita Dongre