Features: The Rise of Vegan Leather in Luxury Fashion – Part 2

In our previous Part 1 feature, we explored how luxury fashion began embracing vegan leather as a credible alternative to animal hide.  What started as a niche sustainability statement has now become a serious material movement.  But in 2026, the conversation has evolved.  It’s no longer just about using vegan leather, it’s about which vegan leathers brands are choosing, and why.

Back in 2018, at Humans Are Vain, we spent years testing and developing with different vegan leather alternatives.  At the time, plant-based materials were still emerging and quality varied dramatically.  After extensive wear testing and material trials, we ultimately worked with a combination of Italian apple leather and a high-performance microfiber developed in Spain.  Those materials offered the durability, finish and hand feel we were looking for, without compromising on our vegan principles.

Today, the options have multiplied.  Luxury brands are no longer limited to basic polyurethane alternatives. Instead, they are investing in a new generation of materials that combine innovation, performance and sustainability.

Stella McCartney continues to lead the way, exploring next-generation materials such as mycelium-based leather grown from mushroom roots.  These bio-fabricated materials are designed to mimic the suppleness and texture of traditional leather, while significantly reducing environmental impact.  It’s a glimpse into what the future of luxury materials may look like.

Gucci and other major fashion houses have expanded their use of alternative materials in recent collections, integrating recycled synthetics and plant-based leathers into sneakers, bags and accessories.  The shift signals that vegan leather is no longer experimental, it is becoming embedded in mainstream luxury production.

Meanwhile, brands like Nanushka and GANNI are focusing on refined plant-based leathers and premium recycled blends.  Their collections show that vegan leather can feel modern, elevated and directional rather than purely “eco” driven.  Texture, drape and finish are now just as important as sustainability credentials.

Cactus leather and grape-based leather are also gaining visibility, offering brands compelling sustainability narratives tied to agricultural by-products.  Apple leather, derived from waste from the food industry, remains one of the more commercially viable plant-based options due to its scalability and consistent finish.  These materials may differ in composition, but they share a common goal: reducing reliance on animal leather while maintaining luxury standards.

At the same time, high-quality microfibers, particularly those engineered in Europe, continue to play an important role.  While not fully bio-based, these materials offer durability and performance that many luxury brands require, especially in footwear and structured accessories.  In many cases, longevity itself becomes a sustainability advantage.

What’s clear is that the definition of vegan leather is expanding.  Some materials are largely plant-based.  Others combine bio-content with synthetic binders for strength. And some remain advanced synthetic solutions designed for performance.  For consumers, this makes transparency more important than ever.

The rise of vegan leather in luxury fashion is no longer about symbolism.  It is about material innovation, supply chain responsibility and long-term durability.  Brands are moving beyond simple “leather-free” claims and beginning to compete on material quality.

As demand for ethical and sustainable fashion continues to grow, the focus will increasingly shift toward performance-driven vegan leathers that truly meet luxury expectations.  The next chapter isn’t just about replacing leather, it’s about redefining it.

In this evolving landscape, one thing is certain, vegan leather is not a passing trend.  It is becoming a permanent and sophisticated part of the luxury material palette, shaping the future of fashion in ways that feel both responsible and refined.