Summary: Look around most stores and you will see a vast array of handbags and shoes. If you read the labels, it will also be clear that a large percentage of them are made of leather. Most people accept this unquestioningly because it has always been that way. Times are changing, however, and as awareness grows around the degree to which animals suffer for our food and fashion (among other things), vegan companies are responding. Meet Jill Fraser, CEO and co-founder of Jill Milan, a company that makes vegan, luxury handbag. Each bag is made in Italy by artisans who have a heritage of crafting the best luxury accessories in the world. Every bag is a work of art, an individual creation designed for modern women. Bags are sewn by hand and the metalwork on Jill Milan's bags are handmade. Entirely free of leather, fur and other animal-derived materials, Jill Milan handbags and accessories are made from natural, luxurious materials such as velvets, ultrasuedes and buttery-soft faux leathers. We will be talking with Jill about how and why she entered the vegan luxury fashion market with her beautiful handbags, why it is so important to choose accessories not made of animal-based materials as well as what it’s like to compete in this market that traditionally uses a lot of animal-derived materials? Her handbags are regularly worn by celebrities and this is not something we usually equate with vegan products (although clearly that is changing fast!). Learn firsthand how this benefits the vegan movement, how Jill Milan supports animals on many levels and why her products are making headlines.
