There aren’t many fashion brands that started life with a challenge from a Mahatma, but vegan accessories company Matt & Nat is one of them.
Fifteen years ago, founder and creative director Inder Bedi was challenged by a Mahatma to become vegetarian for 30 days. Not only did Bedi go vegetarian, he also conceived of a vegetarian range of bags that would combine eco principles with chic urban styling. And so Matt & Nat was born.
I personally carry a Matt & Nat bag, and have just discovered that lovely Fearne Cotton does too. I’ve found in this range the ideal combination of low impact production, or Slow fashion, with a style I can easily take from a business meeting to an evening with friends. They are stylish, practical and made in an ethical way.
No animal by-products are used in the making of a Matt & Nat bag. Each item is designed with at least one recycled component and as many as 21 plastic bottles are recycled to make the linings.
The range includes styles for both men and women, and a variety of shapes from glamourous clutches to laptop bags and shoulder bags. The styling is fashion aware without being so slavish that it will go out of date.
I have to admit that I’m stuck to choose just one favourite. Perhaps the Vedder leather wallet (£50, pictured above) for me and the Apollo Pebble backback for the boyfriend might just edge ahead of the others. There are two great things about the backpack; it’s in the Sale right now, half price at £52.50, and it’s cycling-friendly.
