It's easy to see why JW Pei has become a staple for everyone from fashion editors to influencers. They completely nail the sweet spot of offering chic, modern handbags that are not only incredibly stylish and affordable but also made from sustainable, vegan materials. Their structured shapes and fun colors are the perfect way to finish off any look.
If you're already a fan of their eco-conscious, minimalist vibe and are looking to add some new designers to your rotation, you're in luck. We've rounded up 19 amazing brands that deliver a similar blend of style, sustainability, and attainable cool.
Consider Matt & Nat the cool, established veteran of the vegan bag world. Short for "Material & Nature," the brand is celebrated for its commitment to cruelty-free fashion, crafting its beautiful and functional bags from innovative materials like recycled nylons and even repurposed windshield resins. Their aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and timeless, offering a wide range of styles from work-ready totes to sleek wallets.
While JW Pei is known for its buzzy, of-the-moment pieces, Matt & Nat focuses on enduring staples that you’ll have in your closet for years. The price point is comparable, making it an excellent first stop. If you're looking for an everyday bag that's both polished and practical, this is the brand for you.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
Angela Roi delivers sophisticated, refined vegan handbags that feel incredibly luxe. The brand's philosophy is rooted in ethical elegance, using premium, high-quality vegan leather to create structured totes, classic crossbody bags, and chic clutches. Their designs are timeless with clean lines and subtle hardware, making them perfect for both the office and evenings out.
Think of Angela Roi as JW Pei’s more polished, grown-up sister. The aesthetic leans more classic and less trend-driven, and the bags have a slightly higher price point that reflects their meticulous craftsmanship. It's the perfect choice when you want an investment-worthy piece without compromising your values.
Shop now at angelaroi.com
For a unique and truly sustainable option, check out Corkor. This brand specializes in accessories made from cork, a naturally waterproof, lightweight, and eco-friendly material harvested from cork oak trees. Their bags have a beautiful, natural texture and come in simple, elegant silhouettes that highlight the uniqueness of the material.
Unlike JW Pei’s slick vegan leather, Corkor offers an earthy, organic vibe that feels understated and chic. The prices are very affordable, offering a distinct alternative for the eco-conscious shopper who appreciates natural materials and minimalist design.
Shop now at corkor.com
Pia Brand crafts contemporary, sustainable handbags from high-quality vegan leather and recycled materials. Their designs feel modern and sleek, often featuring unique structural details or minimalist hardware that makes them stand out. The collection includes everything from shoulder bags to versatile totes perfect for elevating your daily look.
Like JW Pei, Pia Brand strikes a great balance between modern style and sustainability. The overall vibe is slightly more refined and luxurious, making their bags a great option if you’re looking for something that feels high-end but is still accessible in price.
Shop now at the-brandcloud.com/brand/167
Vegan Outfitters offers on-trend, playful, and affordable vegan handbags that are perfect for making a statement. They tap into current trends with slouchy shoulder bags, vibrant clutches, and fun patterns that feel very of-the-moment. It's a fantastic brand for experimenting with new styles without a big financial commitment.
If you love JW Pei's trendier pieces and accessible prices, Vegan Outfitters will be right up your alley. Their style is a bit more youthful and streetwear-focused, offering bold and expressive options for those who love to stand out.
Shop now at veganoutfitters.com
Budapest-based Nanushka is the go-to for effortlessly cool, sustainable luxury. While known for their buttery-soft vegan leather ready-to-wear, their handbags are equally stunning. The designs feature soft, sculptural silhouettes, knotted details, and rich, earthy color palettes that feel warm and inviting. They primarily use their signature vegan leather and other responsibly sourced materials.
Nanushka operates at a higher, luxury price point compared to JW Pei, offering an aspirational step up. The aesthetic is more an 'if you know, you know' kind of quiet luxury, perfect for the minimalist who values exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Shop now at nanushka.com
True to its "Radical Transparency" ethos, Everlane offers a range of ethically made bags that are built to last. While not exclusively vegan, they have a fantastic selection of styles made from recycled materials, like their ReNew Transit Bag. The designs are incredibly functional, minimalist, and versatile - perfect for work, weekends, and travel.
Compared to JW Pei, Everlane's focus is less on fashion-forward trends and more on creating timeless, practical pieces you’ll use for years. If you value transparency and versatility as much as you value style, Everlane’s thoughtfully designed bags are a perfect fit.
Shop now at everlane.com/collections/womens-bags
Stella McCartney is the original pioneer of luxury without leather. The brand has been committed to cruelty-free, sustainable fashion since day one, proving that high-end accessories can be both chic and ethical. Her iconic Falabella bag, with its signature chain trim, is a testament to this, alongside other expertly crafted totes and crossbodies made from innovative eco-materials.
This is the ultimate aspirational alternative to JW Pei. While the price point is firmly in the luxury category, a Stella McCartney bag is an investment piece for anyone passionate about supporting a trail-blazing, environmentally conscious designer.
Shop now at stellamccartney.com
Von Holzhausen blends tech, luxury, and sustainability to create stunningly minimalist bags. The brand is known for developing its own material, Technik-Leather, an animal-free, high-performance fabric that has the supple feel of traditional leather but is more durable and sustainable to produce. Their bags feature clean lines, architectural shapes, and a starkly beautiful simplicity.
If the modern, structured element of JW Pei appeals to you but you’re looking for something more elevated, Von Holzhausen is a perfect match. The price point is higher, positioning them in the contemporary luxury market for those who appreciate design innovation.
Shop now at vonholzhausen.com
Famous for their packable, reusable shoppers, Baggu also offers a fantastic range of stylish purses, totes, and crossbodies made from recycled nylon and organic cotton. Their designs are simple, practical, and infused with a sense of fun, available in a huge array of happy colors and playful prints.
While JW Pei is all about sleek, structured pieces, Baggu is your go-to for casual, lightweight, and incredibly useful bags. They share a commitment to affordability and eco-friendliness but with a laid-back, utilitarian vibe that’s perfect for everyday errands and creative lifestyles.
Shop now at baggu.com
Cuyana’s philosophy is "fewer, better things," a principle that shines through in their collection of timeless, high-quality bags. While many of their pieces are crafted from LWG-certified leather, the brand has expanded its offerings to include elegant tote bags made from durable, recycled materials designed for longevity. Their aesthetic is classic, sophisticated, and effortlessly feminine.
Cuyana appeals to those who prefer investment dressing over chasing trends. Where JW Pei is modern and edgy, Cuyana is enduring and graceful. It's a great option for finding a beautifully made work tote or travel bag that prioritizes both sustainability and timeless elegance.
Shop now at cuyana.com
If you're drawn to JW Pei for its trendy designs and wallet-friendly prices, then you need to know about Melie Bianco. This PETA-approved brand creates fun, fashion-forward bags from premium vegan leather, all produced under fair trade principles. You'll find everything from colorful woven totes to sculptural shoulder bags that look like they came straight off the runway.
Think of Melie Bianco as JW Pei’s slightly more playful, romantic cousin. The styles are very current and offer a great way to try a new trend without the guilt. It’s the perfect brand for finding that statement bag for your next vacation or a fun night out.
Shop now at meliebianco.com
Based in Amsterdam, O MY BAG creates stylish bags with a focus on ethical production and positive social impact. Primarily using eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned leather, they have a distinct, slightly vintage-inspired aesthetic. Their bags feel both classic and cool, with a timeless appeal that works for any occasion.
In contrast to JW Pei's vegan materials, O MY BAG offers a responsibly-sourced leather option for those who prefer natural materials. Both brands share a strong commitment to doing better for the planet, but O MY BAG offers a more classic, bohemian-leaning alternative with a focus on fair trade practices.
Shop now at omybag.com
Known for its iconic shoes, Stuart Weitzman has brought its signature blend of modern glamour and sophistication to a line of handbags. The brand often emphasizes versatility and timeless appeal, sometimes collaborating on collections featuring vegan and other eco-friendly materials. Expect classic designs with a contemporary twist that are chic and effortlessly elegant.
Compared to JW Pei, Stuart Weitzman's offerings sit at a much higher price point, falling squarely in the luxury accessories category. It's a great brand to watch for timeless, elevated styles if you're looking to invest in a piece with designer cachet.
Shop now at stuartweitzman.com/the-latest/the-look
Best known for its iconic Kånken backpack, Fjällräven is a champion of durability and functional design rooted in sustainability. While their overall aesthetic is more outdoor-inspired, they create fantastic crossbody bags, totes, and packs from hardwearing, recycled materials. Their focus is on creating products that last a lifetime to minimize waste.
If you love JW Pei's eco-conscious mission but need something far more practical and rugged, Fjällräven is the answer. It trades high-fashion aesthetics for unbeatable durability, making it the perfect choice for travel, city commutes, and anyone leading an active, eco-minded life.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
The cult-favorite Danish brand GANNI is beloved for its playful, trend-setting designs and increasing commitment to sustainability. Their handbag collection is full of personality, often made with recycled fabrics and featuring knotted details, bold colors, or leopard prints. It's the epitome of Copenhagen cool-girl style.
GANNI offers a more fashion-forward, high-energy alternative to JW Pei’s sleek minimalism. It operates at a higher price point but shares a commitment to becoming more responsible. If you want a fun, statement bag that reflects your personality and fashion knowledge, GANNI is your brand.
Shop now at us.ganni.com/bags
MASHU is a London-based sustainable accessories brand known for its highly sculptural and artistic handbag designs. The brand uses innovative vegan and plant-based materials like Pinatex (pineapple-leaf leather) and fabrics made from recycled polyester, paired with unique, often Greek-inspired handles crafted from repurposed wood.
MASHU is for the person who sees their handbag as a piece of wearable art. While it shares JW Pei's commitment to vegan materials, its designs are far more avant-garde and unique. With a contemporary price point, it’s a stunning option for a statement piece that’s sure to start a conversation.
Shop now at mashu.co.uk
Available at retailers like Kohl's, Apt. 9 provides stylish and highly affordable handbag options often featuring vegan leather. Their styles are versatile and designed for everyday ease, from convertible crossbody bags to practical satchels and totes. They offer a simple, accessible way to get a classic look on a budget.
Apt. 9 is one of the most budget-friendly alternatives to JW Pei. While the focus leans more towards accessibility than a deep sustainability mission, it’s a great option for finding casual, simple designs that don’t break the bank.
Shop now at aptnine.com
MOFT (Mobile Office for Travelers) specializes in clever, functional designs for the digital nomad - and that includes their bags. They create sleek, ultra-lightweight, and sometimes foldable bags from eco-friendly recycled fabrics. Their aesthetic is super modern, minimalist, and built for life on the go.
If the minimal, modern look of JW Pei appeals to you but your top priority is function and portability, MOFT is a fantastic pick. It swaps fashion-centric details for ingenious features, making it the perfect sustainable choice for commuters, students, and travelers.
Shop now at moft.us
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