Vendula London has grown to be one of fashions funkiest brands with one guiding philosophy – to make others ask…. “where did you get that bag?!”
Vendula
Their ever-growing list of captivated fans (Vendulettes) are across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.
The brand is quirky and ethical - famous for their “shop front” and animal inspired designs – although working with the legendary rock band Queen for their Queen X Vendula collection is also another firm favourite with fans and celebrities too.
CEO Raymond Lam FCCA is a former accountant in the fashion industry. He had his inspired moment when looking through fashion magazines and thought, “there must be a kinder way… handbags do not need to be made from exotic animal skins” and he hasn’t looked back since.
Raymond says; “My aim was to create a brand to show customers we do not need to exploit animals for fashion and provide fantastic quality vegan handbags with incredible attention to detail.
Our values are to live life to the full – and as you can see we love to experiment and have fun with our designs.
Like us our client – Ms Vendula London - likes to stand out from the crowd. We don't shy away from drawing attention with colours and design. Our bags are beautifully crafted inside and out and we always pay attention to the hidden small details.”
Vendula London collections come hot off the sketchbooks of their in-house design team, and they just love pushing boundaries. Sometimes their ideas are so crazy they are not sure they can make them - a handbag in the shape of a shop, anyone? However they work to find the right materials to turn these ideas into reality.
20th anniversary celebrations include a photoshoot for 2 Vendulette competition winners, a vegan party as well as their much awaited and top secret 20th anniversary handbag collection that is due to be announced towards the end of June.
The collections have come a long way – initially manufactured in canvas however now their vegan leathers have increased durability, their feel and look is luxurious and the designs have gone from strength to strength too.
Plant leathers also now being tested out.
Starting with just the founder Raymond the team now consists of 20 members of staff who are all as equally passionate and enthusiastic about the brand.
Since launching Vendula London has sold over a million pieces of vegan friendly handbags and has also branched out into wallets, purses, accessories and homeware.
Vendula London has a very long and good relationship with the factory in China that produces their products. They have produced exclusively for Vendula London for over 10 years. This long-term and close working relationship has enabled Vendula London to have full control over the manufacturing process and make sure that all processes and materials used are carried out with attention to detail and care for the vegan cause as well. Even the glue they use is vegan.
Vendula London visits the factory regularly and arrives unannounced in order to ensure that the working conditions are of a high standard. They advocate locally for workers rights and have ensured that all factory workers are paid a fair wage. Most of the staff have been working with Vendula products for numerous years and raising their families.
“On a recent visit, our workshop supervisor, sister Mui showed me a photo of her daughter, Mei Fei in high school uniform. The last time I met her was when she was 4 and I was practising English with her. It suddenly dawned on me how time has flown.”
Raymond adds; “When I started out, I had no idea that Vendula London would be where it is today. This is thanks to my outstanding team and our customers who are true loyal fans. I am excited to see where the next 20 years brings.”
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