Fashion’s OG vegan luxury bag
All true accessory lovers know that any ‘It’ bag worth its weight needs a really cool USP (unique selling point) in order to stand the test of time. And Stella McCartney’s Falabella bag sure has one. Prominent chain-adorned edges, a fold-over top that allows you to style the bag two ways, dual top handles plus a shoulder strap for multiple carry options. All of these features help make the Falabella bag stand out but none of them define this design as much as the fact that, when it launched in 2009, the Falabella was the OG vegan luxury handbag.
Made from a vegan Shaggy Deer fabric instead of leather, the Stella McCartney Falabella bag acted in rebellion against the fashion industry. At the time, luxury bags were seen as almost exclusively leather accessories so the Falabella’s arrival on the booming bag scene took many by surprise. But, more than merely creating initial shock and an intriguing fashion headline, the significance and staying power of Stella McCartney’s Falabella has proved supreme. The design helped pave the way for vegan luxury bags and continues to do so today while remaining a lusted-after style amongst us fashion folk.
I’ve just got my hands on the latest limited-edition Falabella Star Studs bag so I thought now would be the perfect time to do a deep dive into the original Stella McCartney Falabella bag. I’m going to unpack all of the different sizes, materials and colour options available, plus discuss my favourite specialty limited-edition versions. You ready?
STELLA MCCARTNEY FALABELLA BAG DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Slouchy tote shape
Magnetic snap closure
Dual chain top handles and shoulder strap
Fold-over tote (large) version can be worn two ways – with top handles or folded over and carried by shoulder strap
Interior slip pocket
Diamond-cut chain along edges made from recycled brass and recyclable aluminium
Logoed medallion charm made from zero-waste zamac
Made from grained vegan Shaggy Deer fabric
Logo-printed lining made from recycled plastic bottles
Size options – tiny, mini, fold-over tote (large)
Colour options – black, grey, amethyst, dark taupe, peacock, lilac, red, magnolia, midnight
Current limited-edition options – Falabella Star Studs, Falabella Sequin Fringe, Falabella Chain Cage, Falabella Crystal Cage, Falabella Metallic Chain-Embroidered
Tiny size also available in crinkled patent vegan leather
Falabella also available in wallet crossbody bag and bowling shoulder bag options
Made in Italy
SHOP
The OG Vegan Luxury Bag
Quality leather has long gone hand in hand with the creation of luxury handbags. But that isn’t to say that the concept of a non-leather luxury bag was unheard of before Stella McCartney’s Falabella bag landed on the scene in 2009. Prada began introducing the idea of nylon as a suitable material for its luxury bags in the ‘80s and Louis Vuitton’s legendary coated canvas was created almost a century before that. So when the Stella McCartney Falabella was released, why was it such a big deal?
Although non-leather options existed in the luxury market back then, Stella McCartney marketed the Falabella bag (along with her entire brand) as specifically vegan and animal-free which was a very novel concept for fashion at the time. The bag even gets its name from Stella McCartney’s favourite species of horse. The Falabella is made from grained vegan Shaggy Deer fabric that appears almost suede-like with a matte finish and semi-gloss grain. It shocked many at the time not only because it was entirely vegan but it was a non-leather bag that still felt very luxurious. Other versions released since, including some of the current limited-edition picks available, are made from vegan leather alternatives that more closely resemble smooth calfskin.
With fashion increasingly prioritising sustainability credentials in recent years, the Falabella’s appeal is growing. And it’s not just this bag’s material that’s eco-conscious. Every part of the design, from the chain made using recycled brass and recyclable aluminium that prominently adorns the edges and features as the bag’s handles, to the Falabella’s recycled-plastic-bottle lining.
shop my look
Prominence & Practicality
There are SO MANY styles that made the early ‘00s a truly iconic period of handbag history. So sometimes the fame and significance of styles that popped up after in the 2010s can get overlooked (it’s criminal, if you ask me). The Stella McCartney Falabella bag helped to define this era of handbags. This slouchy, fuss-free tote that proved effortlessly luxurious was a wild hit and it was a key player in the era of big bag love that defined the fashion of this decade. While the Falabella is also offered in mini and tiny sizes, the largest option that feels like more of a slouchy tote is perhaps what us bag lovers associate this style with the most.
The Falabella’s prominent chain detail that adorns the edges and creates both the top handles and shoulder strap definitely gives the design a striking appeal. It stands out, feels a little bit edgy and, crucially, Stella McCartney has incorporated this chain detail into the functionality of the bag. On the largest version of the Falabella, you can fold over the top to carry the bag on your shoulder, making the chain top handles hang across the front of the style like a hanging charm detail, a feature I particularly love.
Limited-Edition Favourites
Any brand classic is beloved for just that – its classic appeal. But that doesn’t mean to say I’m not going to get excited about limited-edition versions that pop up throughout the season. My latest favourite and the newest addition to my bag collection is the Stella McCartney Falabella Star Studs bag that’s decorated all over with hand-placed silver metal star studs on black vegan leather. For me, this design celebrates the label’s rock ‘n’ roll attitude – the kind that comes with being a fashion industry rebel for almost a quarter of a century.
Other note-worthy limited-edition picks available now are the Chain Cage and Crystal Cage versions. Plus, there’s a western-inspired Sequin Fringe option that’s perfect if you want to channel a contemporary take on boho dressing this year.
Choose your favourite
What are your thoughts on Stella McCartney’s Falabella, fashion’s original vegan luxury bag? Do you prefer the classic or limited-edition options? And which version of this brand icon is your favourite?
