I love to put on makeup and deck up before leaving the house. My fashion choices are luxurious, such as furry coats or boots, leather jackets, handbags, and more. We all know that leather handbags are considered the ‘epitome of luxury. Whether you are going for an event, or bustling around the city, a leather bag elevates your status almost instantly.
However, one fine Saturday turned my life upside down. I was sitting in a cafe in New Delhi, waiting for my friend to arrive. We were only a year in college and updated to new fashion trends. As I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, I witnessed the horrifying truth behind the fashion industry. images of tortured animals flashed before my eyes. Leather torn from their skin, fur ripped bodies, and worst, they were kept in a claustrophobic, unhygienic condition to die. I quickly kept my phone away. However, their silent screams echoed in my ears, and I welled up.
I was ashamed of myself to be a part of such cruelty. I started searching for vegan leather handbags, and guess what, I came across several brands. With several unique handcrafted cruelty-free handbags, I knew my next step. Not only did I buy vegan leather handbags, but I also understood the difference between the types, texture, and more. With premium vegan leather handbags, you can not only find unique, versatile designs, but these bags mimic classic leather bags.
As an ardent social media user, I started promoting vegan fashion. Not only did my college friends appreciate it, but they started opting for cruelty-free handbags. I started sharing the process of classic leather production with my friends and family to let them know the gruesome animal treatment, and what has been going on for decades in the name of fashion. While it took time, today all my friends support vegan fashion.
If you are an animal lover, or not, but follow a similar mindset, this blog is for you. My motive is not only to help you understand the harmful impact of traditional leather but also to provide you with the best alternate option.
Let’s first understand why traditional leather handbags are a big NO in today’s fashion-forward world.
Leather: The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Your Wardrobe
Staple
Let me tell you a story of how the glamorous gorgeous, luxe, and elegant leather handbags were made.
Hidden from the prying eyes of the world, the inhumane production of leather is flourishing even today. Let me tell you the narrative of a herd of peaceful cattle gazing over the horizon, and soaking the first rays of sunlight. However, as the night falls, the story changes instantly. The horror of the leather industry takes over their fate and turns their life on Earth not only short but horrifying.
The process starts by slaughtering these innocent creatures, while their cries echo in the dark night as their skin is stripped from their bodies. As the air fills in the stain of their blood, and fear, the women are gently reminded of the price we pay for the sake of fashion.
Thereafter, comes the tanning process. A place filled with toxic chemicals, and suffering where the skin is treated to prevent decay. Here comes another story, not only do the animals suffer in the entire process, but the workers have to toil in dangerous situations risking their lives and health at risk. All of this is for the sake of profit in the leather industry.
However, that doesn’t end here. The industry is a serious threat to our environment. The rivers are polluted with toxic chemicals, forests are decimated to create grazing land, and the ecosystem is left out of balance by the huge demand for leather products.
Despite all the damage, the industry has been thriving for decades. Corporate greed and consumer ignorance have perhaps made it too late to change the course. However, as a conscious consumer, I am determined to take charge and make a difference in the fashion world. Today, the internet is helping promote vegan fashion, with several celebrities adopting and endorsing a vegan lifestyle. As we move forward, experts see a paradigm shift coming in the future.
The Rise of Vegan Fashionistas
As I delve deeper into the fashion world, I am knocked down by the choices we make. What once seemed glamorous, now carries the burden of responsibility. My journey from an ardent leather lover to an avid promoter of vegan leather handbags has been short. A simple video, in a small cafe in Delhi, changed my life. It’s not just about modern handbags anymore. Rather it’s about taking a stand against cruelty. I have always been an optimist, and with every new premium vegan leather handbag I use, I take a step toward a brighter and more compassionate future. Let’s make a fashion statement that not just reflects on our style, but also on our commitment and values to a kinder world.
