Actress Nikki Reed might be best known for her role as Rosalie in the Twilight films, but beyond her Hollywood status, Reed is a committed animal rights activist and all-around eco-friendly goddess. Case in point: Reed and founder Morgan Bogle collaborated to create Freedom of Animals, a luxury vegan handbag line made in the USA, in 2013. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Reed described how she first became interested in working with Bogle: “I sat down with Morgan and in the first five minutes, we looked at each other and I said, ‘This has to be a partnership.'” She went on to talk about her own background as an animal lover: “It was all my mom’s fault, probably. I grew up with a mom that literally let me take in any and everything. At one point we were bottle-feeding 13 bunnies every two hours with a little tiny dropper and putting diapers on raccoons.” She’s a regular Snow White, if you ask me!
For her part, Bogle, a former stylist, was inspired to create Freedom of Animals as a line of animal-free accessories made sustainably and ethically. “There is no leather or animal products used whatsoever. We make everything in the USA, so it’s trying to train people that you can consume responsibly and sustainably,” she told the magazine in 2015.
Morgan Bogle
And that’s really what sets Freedom of Animals apart from other leather-free brands. All of the bags they produce are comprised of post-consumer polyurethane, and are lined with organic cotton and plastic water bottle lining. True to its name, the brand also works with various non-profit organizations, including PETA and The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (many of the bags are named after the Trust’s rescued elephants!), to help promote their messages of animal protection and environmental stewardship. As if it couldn’t get any better, 10% of proceeds made on Freedom of Animals’ tassels are donated to the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, an organization founded by Reed’s husband, actor Ian Somerhalder (major, major swoon).
It’s safe to say that if you’re looking to splurge on a functional, gorgeous, and eco-friendly bag, Freedom of Animals is your one-stop shop. I’m personally eyeing the Melia Lia Navy cross-body bag–so versatile!
Which Freedom of Animals bag is your favorite?
Also by Molly: Emma Watson Shows Us All How Sustainable Couture Is Done, Slays *Everything*
Related: Lauren Conrad’s Fair-Trade Boutique Will Melt Your Heart With Its Cuteness
These Eco-Chic Vegan Handbags Have “It Girl” Written All Over Them
Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photo: Freedom of Animals, Nikki Reed via Instagram
