Research has found that a global diet consisting of more fruit and vegetables than meat could save up to eight million lives by 2050, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and avoid climate damages.
The world isn’t going to go vegan overnight but we’re becoming more conscious of the impact we have on the planet, from the food we eat to the apparel and accessories we buy. When considering buying leather bags and jackets, it’s worth thinking twice: more than one billion animals are slaughtered by the global leather industry every year for their skins and hides.
Mia Haya decided to take a stand and design bags without compromising her values or the environment. In December 2019, she launched Mihaya with a collection of classic, cruelty-free pieces for eco-conscious individuals.
Mihaya/Facebook
In an interview with Daily Hive, Haya explained how she broke away from the “pragmatism of traditional Japanese culture at a young age” and went on to pursue a career in beauty and fashion.
“My travels through Paris, Milan, and Frankfurt not only influenced and inspired me as a designer but exposed me to the eco-conscious innovations in materials and manufacturing that were gaining momentum across the fashion industry,” she said.
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The designer explained how she recognized that “business as usual” in the luxury market meant suffering and exploitation of animals and the planet.
“I heard many people say that while they wanted to avoid leather products that were harmful to animals, the alternatives were poorly designed, so they had no choice but to continue buying leather products despite their moral objections.”
To redefine the industry on her terms, Haya created a fashionable alternative to leather bags — grounded in traditional Japanese aesthetics and inspired by European design.
Mihaya/Facebook
The price range for Mihaya bags is $150 to $300 per piece. All bags are made using an eco-friendly synthetic leather alternative — polyurethane (PU) — which is known for its high quality and durability. It’s a greener alternative to PVC leather in terms of production and after-care, while also being biodegradable.
Your bag could eventually be composted, which is pretty awesome when you think about it. Every Mihaya bag comes with a 100% organic cotton dust bag that doubles up as a tote bag.
Gender-neutral design is important to Haya and the unisex SAKI backpack is a perfect example. It comes with adjustable straps and can be worn as a laptop shoulder bag, a backpack, or a tote bag.
SAKI backpack/Mihaya
SAKI backpack/Mihaya
By 2027, the global synthetic leather market is expected to reach over USD 52 billion. Haya is anticipating this growth by creating pieces that people can feel excited about wearing while knowing they’re doing something good for the planet.
“I feel like we are reaching a tipping point, where more consumers are beginning to realize that their current style of consumption is unsustainable,” Haya explained. She believes that designers and consumers will gradually move towards more sustainably-designed products as the market continues to grow.
See the full range of award-winning cruelty-free Mihaya bags on Instagram.
