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Rundown 2021: Recycled Outerwear at LFW

Rundown 2021: Recycled Outerwear at LFW

Melena Shari, founder of Lebanese fashion house and social enterprise, Melana's Bag, reflects on fast fashion fueling the concept of free labour and exposing employees to harsh working conditions.

From vegan backpacks to hand-weaved tote bags, there has never been such a huge array of eco bags - and ethical brands - to choose from. 

With London Fashion Week announcing its fur-free policy, and Burberry joining a long list of designers including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Tommy Hilfiger in forgoing fur, eco-conscious fashion is creeping into our collective consciousness, opening the door for a host of enterprising ethical and sustainable bag brands.

As socially conscious as they are beautiful, today’s eco bags – made from vegan faux-leather and cutting-edge sustainable materials, embellished with fine metal hardware and in an array of sumptuous jewel and subtle dusty hues – are a far cry from their eco hemp and rustic raffia predecessors, so often overlooked in favour of the season’s latest designer ‘It' bag.