James & Co: The Australian House That Refused Plastic "Vegan Leather"

"Vegan leather" has become one of fashion's most comfortable labels — and one of its most misleading. Much of it is polyurethane or PVC: fossil fuel, plastic, landfill. James & Co, an Australian house, decided the label was not enough.

The 2022 decision

In 2022 the house stopped using partly plant-based vegan leathers altogether. Since then, nothing in its collections contains PU, PVC or PVB. Every material is plant-based and cruelty-free — and capable of returning to the soil.

A wardrobe of jackets

The zipped biker, the collarless moto, the tailored blazer, the belted trench: the outerwear is cut in plant-based leather-look textiles. Accessories use FSC-certified washable paper, natural cork, eco canvas and organic cotton.

Why it matters to retailers

European regulation on green claims is tightening. For a store, stocking a "vegan" jacket that is in fact plastic is becoming a reputational risk. James & Co offers the alternative: a claim that survives a materials audit. The house has been recognised by Causeartist among ten stylish and sustainable vegan leather jacket brands.

Explore the collection on the JAANTE Showroom.