Here is the truth about Espe bags: you’d never guess they’re vegan. The material is remarkable: both soft and sturdy, like leather, and with a slightly textured finish that lends a lived-in edge.
My quest for a casual crossbody bag led me to Espe’s website and to the Lee Crossbody in particular. I liked its silhouette – the body was baguette style; the long strap sort of like a cool Frye bag. The price, a very reasonable $85, meant it wasn’t a big commitment. Until this purse, my Mansur Gavriel bucket bag was my daily go-to and while I love it, I wanted something a bit lighter and more casual.
The Lee ticked the boxes. It’s compact, but big enough to hold the essentials – there are handy inner pockets, an outer zip pocket (perfect for my elevator fob) and the lining is the cutest floral print.
Toronto designer Elizabeth Hardy owns the brand and says her eye for fashion is commensurate with her vegan vision. “From the beginning of my life, my family always had pets in the house – birds, cats, dogs,” she says. “I’ve always loved animals and as I got older, I realized that living a cruelty-free life was the only way for me.”
Whether you’re vegan or not, Espe bags will appeal – there are backpacks, best-selling fanny packs, wallets, even a collection of men’s utility bags inspired by Elizabeth’s son, Ben.
My Lee is in daily use. It’s comfortable for walking (nice and light but not so light it slides around) and comes with two straps: the wide crossbody for day and a short shoulder strap for a nighttime baguette effect. It’s cruelty-free and cool and just a perfect little bag.
