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| Top to bottom: Angela & Roi Square Tote ($138), Mini Cross-Body ($79), Palette Cross-Body ($62) |
"Vegan" and "philanthropic" are two buzzwords that, in the past, have turned me off when it comes to fashion. It's not that I'm a horrible person; I swear! It's just that a focus on doing the right thing has so often precluded great design.
It's a perception that's shifting thanks to brands like Maiyet, Stella McCartney and even H&M, but the more labels that can talk responsibility and put out a great product, the better. So, thank you Angela & Roi! That's exactly what you've achieved.
Founded by Boston-based lovebirds Angela and Roi Lee (he handles the business, she handles the design), the handbag line operates on the belief that fashion can be utilized to both an artistic and charitable effect. Classic designs in vegan leather and fabric come in a rainbow of hues, and the "Donate by Color" concept means that $5 of each sale goes to a specific charitable cause. Want to support Alzheimer's research? Choose a crossbody in purple. The fight against childhood cancer? Opt for a gold tote instead.
The full color-coded list of causes to which Angela & Roi donates is available here, but it's really impossible to go wrong, philanthropically or style-wise.