# Small-Scale Vegan Handbags GUNAS New York Advocates for Conscious Consumerism Over Fast Fashion By Grace Mahas | Published 2020-10-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gunas-new-york References: [gunasthebrand](https://www.gunasthebrand.com/) GUNAS New York is a New York-based label that creates [vegan and cruelty-free handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw25-vegan-leather) crafted using artisan materials and small-scale ethical manufacturers from countries like India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Hong Kong. The brand's luxurious and cruelty-free collection is made without any animal by-products or animal testing and boasts a range of timeless totes, crossbody purchases, and avant-garde bags. The brand firmly believes that "animals are NOT meant to be a part of fashion," and advocates for [conscious consumerism over fast fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachtopia-1). For its ethical and thoughtful ways, GUNAS New York has received praise from numerous celebrities and was also featured in the hit [Netflix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peter-james) series, Sweet Magnolias. Fans can shop the entire GUNAS New York collection online and in select stores. Image Credit: GUNAS New York ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Conscious Consumerism:** Creating and promoting products that align with ethical and sustainable values, such as vegan and cruelty-free options. - **Ethical Manufacturing:** Partnering with small-scale manufacturers that prioritize fair labor practices and sustainable production methods. - **Luxurious Cruelty-free Fashion:** Designing high-end fashion products that are free from animal by-products and animal testing. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Opportunities for fashion brands to incorporate vegan, cruelty-free materials and manufacturing practices into their product lines. - **Retail:** Creating a market for ethical and sustainable fashion by curating and promoting brands that align with conscious consumerism values. - **Manufacturing:** Supporting and collaborating with small-scale manufacturers that prioritize fair labor practices and sustainable production methods. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vegan Leather Purses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-leather-purses.md) - [Plant-Based Fur Luxury Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biofluff.md) - [Comforting Vegan Handbag Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espe-1.md) - [Plastic-Free Circular Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stella-mccartney-3.md) - [Avant-Garde Handbag Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanifa.md) - [Vegan Leather Collection Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw25-vegan-leather.md) - [PETA-Approved Leather Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-leather-alternative.md) - [Understated Vegan Leather Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espe-ss24.md) - [Affordable Quiet Luxury Handbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/josiie-bag.md)