Luxury Fashion Brand AMARÉ Proves Commitment To Leather Alternatives

In the wake of Veganuary 2025, conscious consumers are increasingly recognizing that plant-based living extends far beyond the dinner plate. While many embrace vegan diets during January and the start of the year, pioneering brands like AMARÉ are proving that luxury fashion that utilize sustainable leather alternatives can thrive without compromising animal welfare all year long.

Nestled in the creative heart of Antwerp, Belgium, AMARÉ (which means “to love” in Latin) has been redefining luxury accessories its founding in 2022 by Aum Nanavati. As an ardent animal rights advocate, Nanavati’s vision was crystal clear: create exquisite fashion pieces that celebrate both artisanal craftsmanship and compassionate values.

Nanavati was propelled to create awareness on cruelty in the fashion brand by her personal experiences. “The concept of killing animals for food often turns people vegan or vegetarian. However, most of the time we turn a blind eye towards killing animals for fashion. For me, there was a disconnect and it made me realize that we need to be educated on the harsh reality of leather and other animal products in the fashion world,” she said.

AMARÉ products are made out of cacti, a popular leather alternative

The term “plant-based” materials is omnipresent as a result of findings that show that leather has a deep negative environmental impact. According to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index and the World Wildlife Magazine, traditional cow leather’s environmental impact is more than triple that of vegan alternatives. Traditional leather contributes to water waste, deforestation as leather is a byproduct of the cattle industry, and pollution since toxic chemicals are often essential to the tanning process.

AMARÉ’s approach to luxury also lies in an alternative material – cactus leather. This places it at the forefront of a growing movement in sustainable fashion, alongside other sustainable materials like mycelium (mushroom leather), apple skin and piñatex (pineapple leaf fiber). For instance, Marcella, a women’s apparel and accessories company, launched their karma boots last year that are made from apple skin. Similarly, piñatex has been used in many products like clutches, boots, and even totes from brands like Rahui London. There’s even polyurethane PU vegan leather that Black-owned streetwear brand NDG Paris uses in their signature Jeanne Bag.

So, what exactly do products made out of cacti look and feel like?

Products made out of cactus retain their luxurious qualities

Far from being a compromise, cactus leather represents a significant leap forward for sustainable luxury. According to Nanavati, unlike traditional farming methods, cacti thrive solely on rainwater. Their leaves are carefully harvested while leaving the plant intact to regenerate naturally and then the harvested leaves undergo a meticulous drying process whereby they are processed using non-toxic chemicals, transforming them into a supple, sophisticated material. The resulting cactus leather is elastic, breathable, and distinctly luxurious to the touch.

AMARÉ currently produces handbags and accessories like sunglass covers, card holders, travel pouches and wristlets. In the skilled hands of Italian artisans, revolutionary plant-based materials transform into stunning accessories that rival traditional luxury goods. Natural diamonds and carefully sourced gemstones add subtle sparkle to designs, proving that ethical luxury can be both sophisticated and sustainable.

There’s nothing cheap or tacky about these accessories that are PVC-free and made with 100% organic material. For instance, the Zoë Mini Bag is prime example of an item that marries architectural elegance with everyday functionality. Taking inspiration from the geometry of emerald-cut diamonds, this sophisticated piece features crisp, angular lines that create captivating plays of light and shadow across its surface. The bag’s thoughtfully structured silhouette embodies AMARÉ’s commitment to minimalist luxury, while still accommodating all of your essentials like your phone, keys, and lipstick.

Nanavati’s motto, “We don’t need to kill for fashion,” resonates throughout every aspect of the brand’s philosophy.“ I wanted to bring a product to the market which was luxurious and cruelty free. The properties of cactus leather are the same as animal leather without the bloodshed of killing an animal,” she added.

AMARÉ embraces exclusivity through limited batch production, crafting each piece with intention rather than mass manufacturing. While honoring their commitment to quality, they selectively reproduce high-demand items when specific colors or sizes sell out, maintaining a loyal customer base who appreciate this approach (such as Poorna Jagannathan who carried a bag to the 74^th Emmy Awards). As the fashion industry increasingly embraces alternative materials, AMARÉ demonstrates that luxury fashion is achievable while still treading lightly on our planet.