Get ready to celebrate sustainable style because Stella McCartney’s iconic Falabella tote is turning 15! If you were already in the know of fashion back in 2009, this milestone for one of the design world’s most iconic bags might feel like yesterday as the cult-favorite style has never lost its enthusiasm. This vegan “IT” bag has been shaking up the luxury handbag scene since the 2000s, proving that fashion can be both fabulous and cruelty-free. With its rocker chic, functional design and eco-conscious ethos, the Falabella bag has captivated our attention on runways and perched upon celebrity arms, winning over animal-friendly fashion fanatics and beyond thanks to its wide offering of finishes. In honor of its 15th birthday, we’re diving into the Falabella’s vibrant history, its groundbreaking impact in the world of sustainable fashion, and how you can wear yours for every occasion.
The Falabella Bag: a Sustainable Must-Have
The Falabella bag, named after Stella McCartney’s favorite breed of horse, made its stellar debut in the Winter 2009 collection. This groundbreaking bag set a new standard for luxury accessories by defying the norm that high-end bags must be made from leather. Featuring Italian craftsmanship, luxury quality, and durability, the Falabella has become a symbol of cruelty-free innovation in the fashion industry. Celebrities like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kate Hudson, and Kate Moss have been seen sporting the Falabella, further cementing its status as a high-end must-have. In her own words, Stella describes the impact of the Falabella as: “Revolutionary then and now, it rebelled against the status quo and set a new standard for luxury accessories made without any leather.”
Over the years, the Falabella has continued to evolve. In 2010, the chain on the body of the bags transitioned to aluminum, a lighter and infinitely recyclable material. By 2021, the Shaggy Deer version of the Falabella was made from 50% recycled materials, with the chain made from recycled brass. The Winter 2023 runway show at Paris Fashion Week showcased the Falabella crafted from MIRUM®, a plant-based, plastic-free, and fully recyclable alternative to animal leather. Still in 2024, the brand continues to evolve and grow always seeking to better itself as a leader in conscious fashion.
Stella McCartney: a Story of Sustainability
Stella McCartney launched her iconic brand in 2001, pioneering the concept of a luxury fashion house that never uses leather, feathers, fur, or skins. This commitment to cruelty-free fashion was inspired by her legendary parents, Paul and Linda McCartney, who were early advocates for animal rights and vegetarianism. Raised in the English and Scottish countryside, Stella’s love for animals and nature profoundly influenced her brand’s ethos. The Falabella bag, named after her favorite pony breed, epitomizes her vision of a sustainable future in fashion.
The Stella McCartney brand is loved for its innovative use of materials. From cruelty-free and environmentally conscious alternatives like vegan leather and recycled materials to patented technologies, the brand has consistently led the way in the world of pioneering sustainable fashion. The Falabella is a symbol of this commitment, incorporating ever-evolving, innovative materials in its ever-evolving design.
Falabella in Every Essence: Form, Material, Print
Distinguished by its unique design, featuring a hand-laced chain meticulously woven through the vegan bag using artisanal techniques, the Falabella offered us something contrary to the logo-dominated bags of the late early 2000s. We continue to love it for its simplistic, flexible design which adapts to changing tastes – and our unique personal styles – without losing its signature identity. Over the last fifteen years, the Falabella has been released in various models, sizes, and colors, catering to diverse looks. From the classic tote to the mini versions and even the giant models, each Falabella bag maintains the same iconic silhouette and sustainable principles of its inception. In the FW 24/25 runway show, the Falabella was showcased in a new form – not as a shoulder bag or crossbody, but as a large, soft clutch. This innovative presentation underlines the Falabella’s versatility and timeless appeal, reinforcing it as the true vegan “IT” bag that adapts to changing fashion trends while remaining a symbol of the strive for sustainability.
Over the years, the Falabella has seen numerous iterations, including limited editions and special collaborations, such as the natural raffia woven version or the luxurious crystal-embellished and textured denim designs. The latest? Four limited edition Falabella bags with elevated details to celebrate the long-loved vegan icon.
Falabella’s Eco-Friendly Materials
Handcrafted by artisans in Italy, the iconic Falabella bag reflects Stella McCartney’s leadership in the world of sustainable fashion, utilizing a range of innovative materials that are both environmentally friendly and cruelty-free including:
- Alter Mat: A vegan leather alternative made from PVC-free polyester and polyurethane.
- Vegan Shaggy Deer: A proprietary vegan leather alternative made of 100% polyester, with an environmental impact significantly lower than animal leather, incorporating more recycled inputs each season.
- VEGEA: A material innovation using grape by-products from Italian wineries, setting a new standard in animal leather alternatives.
- MIRUM®: A groundbreaking, plastic-free, fossil fuel-free, and water-free alternative to animal leather, crafted from plant-based, fully circular materials that can be recycled or returned to the Earth as nutrients.
- YATAY®: Made from a blend of agricultural waste and recycled fibers, further emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sustainable fashion.
While these materials and processes highlight the brand’s dedication to sustainability and ethical fashion, every season is a learning process. Ethical development is a priority for Stella McCartney and with each innovation comes an opportunity to advance with ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of fashion – and this is why we love her.
The Versatile Bag that Changes Form and Print
While there may be 101 reasons to love Falabella, it stands out above all for its incredible ability to reflect our individuality while maintaining its iconic roots. The Falabella bag comes in various materials, designs, patterns, and sizes, allowing each of us to make it our own as it evolves season after season. The classic maxi tote, the long-chain wallet shoulder bag, the Falabella fold-over tote, the mini tote and tiny tote versions are all loved for their spacious, relaxed design and luxe finishes.
The 2024 limited edition releases celebrate the Falabella bag’s milestone birthday and – appropriate to the genesis of its naming – channel the moment’s horse-girl vibes featuring fringe, country-inspired details, crystal embellishments, 3D polka dot studs, and a crumpled silver effect, offering a wide range of new styles for Stella McCartney collectors and first-timers alike.
Fifteen years inaugurates the Falabella Giant model, prominently featured across ads with Cara Delevingne. This oversized version of the iconic bag highlights its adaptability and enduring appeal, solidifying its place as a timeless piece in the hall of fame of handbags.
How to Wear Your Falabella Bag
The Falabella bag is a versatile accessory that can be styled for various occasions, from evening outings to errands with the kids and even special events. For a chic evening look, pair the Falabella mini tote in metallic or sparkling colorways with a sleek dress and streamlined heels. For a casual day out, the classic Falabella tote bag effortlessly complements jeans and a blazer offering a feminine, refined finish to a laidback look, and if you are off for the weekend with a need to pack light, the versatile, Falabella fold-over tote model offers flexibility, transforming from a shoulder bag to a clutch, making it the perfect one-off bag for both day and evening occasions.
For further inspiration, we’re turning to our favorite celebrity Falabella looks to fill our aspirational arsenal. Take a sleek British approach following notes from Kate Hudson, with a classic trench and sexy thigh-high boots. Put a feminine edge on it by pairing one of the sparkling fringed looks with a bold biker jacket and layered on jewelry channeling bad girl Rihanna, or keep it classic with solid neutrals that go effortlessly with essential knitwear and monochromatic dress sets as seen on the likes of Jennifer Garner and Meghan Markle.
The Falabella bag, with one foot now firmly rooted in the books of fashion history and the other planted in the moment of innovative design, continues to set the standard for the aims of sustainable luxury. As Stella McCartney celebrates 15 years of this iconic bag, the vegan Falabella remains a testament to the brand’s commitment to cruelty-free and eco-friendly fashion, inspiring future generations of fashion lovers to embrace sustainability without compromising on style. Join the world of Falabella and style your new bag into a statement.
