Image credits with permission: Svala

What We Love: their Scandinavian style minimalist cork leather bestsellers. Their thought through choice of materials.

Main Materials: cork, Piñatex® (pineapple leather), MIRUM® (100% bio-based & plastic-free, made from rubber, coconut fibre and cork)

Check out our score list to see the Durability and Logevity Scores for these materials.

Matte Options: mostly warm neutrals and black

Shiny Options: yes (gold and silver)

Animal Skin Immitation: yes (python)

Founder: Helga Douglas – Australian living in LA

Location: Los Angeles, USA

The Story Behind the Name: Svala = Icelandic for Swallow. The swallow bird is a symbol of love, loyalty, freedom and hope in many cultures - everything that Helga wanted her brand to stand for.

What makes them stand out: selling modern luxury B2C without the 250 % markup.

Price Range (low=10s of USD, medium=100s of USD, high=1000s of USD): MEDIUM

Sustainability: all products manufactured “in the heart of downtown Los Angeles”.

Manufacturing Practices: handmade

Values:

• high-quality vegan leather products,

• ethical and local craftsmanship,

• affordability,

• sustainability,

• giving back to the community.

Signature Style: Scandinavian inspiration

Bestsellers and Signature Pieces:

Simma Tote in Gold Speckled Cork,

Didi Clutch Mini in Gold Speckled Cork

Newsletter Signup Bonus: 10 %

Giving Back: They plant a tree for every purchase.

Awards and Highlights:

2023 International Sustainable Award! “This was granted to us by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for our bags and accessories made from plant based materials including cork, Piñatex® and MIRUM®.” - Svala

2020 Eluxe Award for best vegan brand of the year “… for our handbags and accessories! The Eluxe Awards are the world’s first ever accolades for excellence in the sustainable luxury market.”

Joined First Vegan Fashion Week in LA.

Partnering up with Alicia Silverstone.

Is VeganLuxe affiliate for Svala: YES but kindly refer to our Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Our assessments are based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of each brand's offerings, regardless of our affiliate relationships. You can find our full disclosure here.

Special Warnings & Notes: web search on Google may direct you to Svala of Finland – an outdoor clothing company that is not vegan. Make sure you search for “Svala bags” or if you prefer not to use our link, go directly to Svala.co

About the Brand

Svala's Scandinavian-inspired style embraces a minimalist, clean, and timeless aesthetic, with a color palette primarily centered around neutral and earthy tones. These design principles align with the brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical craftsmanship, creating a sense of elegance and sophistication in their handbag collections.

Premium Vegan Materials

Svala products are a testament to innovation and sustainability. Crafted from PVC-free European fabrics, such as Italian vegan leather, MIRUM®, a 100% biobased, recyclable, plastic-free vegan leather alternative made from natural ingredients such as rubber, coconut fibers and cork, Pinatex® (derived from pineapple leaf fiber), and cork leather from Portugal, every Svala handbag embodies the marriage of style and ethics. What's inside matters too, as each bag is lined with fabric made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, contributing to a cleaner planet.

Made Locally in Los Angeles

In a world where "Made in..." labels often lead to questions about labor conditions, Svala proudly manufactures all its products in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. This commitment ensures fair wages and comfortable working conditions for artisans who handcraft each Svala bag. Their proximity to the manufacturing process allows Svala to oversee the production and get to know the talented individuals behind their creations.

Modern Luxury Without the Markup

Svala redefines modern luxury by offering ethically and sustainably made, handcrafted products of the highest quality. Unlike traditional retail, which can inflate prices by up to 250%, Svala sells directly to you. By cutting out unnecessary middlemen, they pass the savings on to customers, making sustainable luxury attainable without the hefty price tag.

Sustainability and Giving Back

Svala's commitment to the planet and its inhabitants goes beyond their products. They allocate 10% of their profits to support various charities and organizations, including Wild Aid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. Additionally, Svala actively works to reduce their carbon footprint through a carbon offset program. For every Svala order, a tree is planted in partnership with Ecologi, contributing to a greener world.

Minimalist and Timeless Design

Clean and Minimalist Design:

Svala embraces the Scandinavian philosophy of "less is more." Their handbags are characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and uncluttered designs. They prioritize functionality and practicality while maintaining an elegant and understated appearance.

Neutral Color Palette:

Typical colors in Svala's Scandinavian-inspired style include a range of neutral and earthy tones. These colors create a sense of calm and sophistication. Some of the typical colors you may find in their collections include:

Natural Cork: A light, earthy tone that mimics the natural color and texture of cork material.

Gold and Gold Speckled: Adding a touch of luxury and warmth to their designs, gold or gold speckled details may be incorporated as accents.

Black: A classic and versatile choice that complements a minimalist aesthetic.

White and Cream: These colors create a sense of purity and simplicity, often used for clean-lined designs.

Brown and Tan:

Warm, earthy shades that evoke a connection to nature and the outdoors.

Gray python patterned: A cool and modern option that adds depth and sophistication to their pieces.

Quality Materials:

We cannot emphasize this enough; the key differentiation of Svala's Scandinavian-inspired style places a strong emphasis on the use of high-quality materials. They incorporate premium vegan fabrics like Portuguese Cork Leather, Italian vegan leather, MIRUM®, a 100% biobased, recyclable, plastic-free vegan leather alternative made from natural ingredients such as rubber, coconut fibers and cork, and Pinatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber) to ensure durability, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Timeless Elegance:

Svala's designs are intended to transcend trends and seasons. They focus on creating handbags that remain stylish and relevant over time, allowing customers to enjoy their pieces for years to come.

Bestsellers and Range

Svala's product range showcases a variety of styles, from totes and clutches to shoulder bags and backpack purses, all crafted with the same dedication to quality and ethics. Their bestsellers, including the Simma Tote in Gold Speckled Cork and the Didi Clutch Mini in Gold Speckled Cork, exemplify the brand's unique blend of luxury and sustainability.

Here are some examples of their pricing:

Simma Tote - Gold Speckled Cork: Regular price €181,95

Simma Tote - Natural Cork: Regular price €181,95

Didi Clutch Mini - Gold Speckled Cork: Regular price €181,95

Tashi Bag - Gold Cork: Regular price €276,95

These are just a few examples, and Svala may offer a variety of other handbag styles with different price points. The prices may vary depending on the specific design, materials used, and any additional features or customization options. It's always a good idea to visit Svala's official website for the most up-to-date pricing information and to explore their full range of products. You may want to join their sartorial family through newsletter to be in the lookout for their special offers.

Is Svala vegan bag right for you?

Svala vegan bags are designed for a diverse range of individuals who share a common commitment to sustainability, ethical fashion, and timeless style.

Eco-Conscious Consumers: Svala bags are ideal for individuals who prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly products. If you're passionate about reducing your environmental footprint and making choices that align with your values, Svala offers a sustainable and stylish option. We recommend their cork leather range for you as it is one of the most durable vegan leather options available at the time of writing this Brand Spotlight.

For more about durability and to see, which high-quality premium vegan leather options may even surpass the longevity of genuine leather, read our article:

Luxury Vegan Leather Bags: Making Informed Investment Choices

Ethical Fashion Advocates: Those who advocate for ethical fashion and responsible production practices will find Svala bags appealing. The brand's commitment to fair wages and ethical craftsmanship resonates with consumers who want to support responsible manufacturing.

Fashion-Forward Trendsetters: Svala's minimalist and modern designs cater to trendsetters who appreciate clean lines, timeless aesthetics, and versatile styles. If you value both fashion-forward choices and sustainability, Svala handbags are a perfect fit. Choose their gold speckled range for a showstopping effect and convenient impactful conversation starter.

Individuals Seeking Affordable Luxury: Svala offers luxury without the traditional retail markup, making it accessible to individuals who want to enjoy premium quality without the extravagant price tag. They are looking beyond the pricetag and promote the quality without vanity to redefine the concept of modern sustainable luxury defined through rarity, exceptional craftmanship and durability for generations to enjoy.

Lovers of Timeless Elegance: Svala's Scandinavian-inspired style, characterized by clean and minimalist design, appeals to those who appreciate timeless elegance. If you seek handbags that remain stylish season after season, and possibly generation after generation, Svala is a brand to consider.

Community and Environmentally-Minded Shoppers: Svala's dedication to giving back and reducing its carbon footprint resonates with individuals who want their purchases to contribute to positive social and environmental change.

Varied Style Preferences: With a diverse range of handbag styles available, from totes and clutches to backpack purses and wallets, Svala caters to individuals with a wide range of style preferences and needs.

In essence, Svala vegan bags are for conscious consumers who value high-quality, ethical craftsmanship, sustainability, and chic design. They can be your everyday companion or a statement piece, Svala offers a versatile and stylish choice that aligns with your values and personal style.

When you choose Svala Handbags, you're making a fashion statement beyond it’s mainstream meaning. You're making a statement for the planet and its inhabitants. Embrace modern luxury that aligns with your values, and join Svala in their mission to create a more sustainable, ethical, and beautiful world as an example and inspiration for others to follow.

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