To celebrate her upcoming birthday next month, one of my fabulous readers from New York City decided to treat herself to the ultimate birthday gift: a brand new handbag! Yaaaaay! We are such bagaholics (and shoe addicts) here, aren’t we?
And she was so psyched about her new obsession that she just had to share it with us! So last night, Gaby was kind enough to email me a few pictures of her gorgeous new addition (addition because trust me, this girl was got quite a collection!)…the Stella McCartney “Falabella” handbag.
Check it out:
And did you know that since Stella McCartney is a serious vegetarian, she does not use ANY leather or fur in her designs? That’s right! Curious to find out WHAT she uses instead? Here are some FAQ’s I copied from her website:
Q. What are the challenges raised by not using leather in the manufacturing process?
A. When it comes to shoes, because synthetic or woven materials are thinner and less elastic than leather, the main difficulty is achieving a uniform product in production. This is because many of the industrial techniques and machines used in leather shops are not appropriate for non-leather shoe manufacturing.
As a consequence, this means that most of the steps in the production of both bags and shoes are executed solely by hand by skilled artisans – our bags for example, can only be produced in a couple of factories found in Italy that specialize in non-leather production. About 70% of the work is done by hand, and as a result, it costs us up to 70% more to make a pair of shoes than any other brand – yet we don’t mark it up for the customer.
Q. How do your non-leather shoes and bags look so luxurious?
A. It’s a painstaking – yet pain-free – process of our design team sourcing, studying and testing a range of textiles that combine different blends of organic and synthetic fibres until they decide upon a fabric that looks stunning, yet versatile enough to undergo a variety of production techniques.
Because of the scientific research that goes into creating these blended fibres and subsequently, their scarcity, innovative materials could be considered a true luxury rather than leather which has become a commodity.
Both bags and shoes require the use of glue, and this too is diligently tested as to ensure the high ethical standards for which Stella McCartney is renown. No fish glue, or any other glues derived from animal parts, are used in the production of our shoes and bags.
Celebrities are also LOVING the “Falabella” handbags…
faviorodas 
Awee, great post Babi. I'm huge on animal rights and have been trying to stay away from leather products even though it's really hard b/c we all love leather bags, wallets, and shoes aah, so when I found out all her products look like real leather, but are made out of a synthetic or woven materials that resemble leather, I was thrilled. Besos!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABY!
Hey, I love the color of the handbag. WOW, that's amazing. I always see this bag at nordstroms and bloomingdales and I had no idea the material was not leather. It really looks and feels like leather. That's awesome. I hope more designers take the lead and stay green.
looove it!!!!! Hugs and Kisses Barbara!
Happy Birthday from me as well!And what a fabulous bag to celebrate it with! :)I have got to share my favorite restaurant in case you are planning to go out for a birthday brunch/lunch or dinner. The Boathouse is right on the lake in Central Park and I have been there 2 times with my boyfriend! Simplyamazing! Brunch is the best meal they serve, but be sure to arrive early since it does get really packed!Ira
Thank you Ira for the birthday wish and the fabulous recommendation I will def go there for brunch. I have heard all about it, but never been, so thank youuuuu!!!!! Also, for dinner I recommend you and everyone in NY to go to Beauty & Essex amazing, amazing, amazing and Barb when you come to NY you have to go, it's just fabulous=). Kisses!