Seven years ago, Mélissa Lambert was pregnant with her second child and couldn’t find a diaper bag to suit her needs. Of course, she wanted all the practical features: easy-to-carry handles, stroller straps, plenty of pockets, a water bottle compartment and a changing pad. But she also craved a chic design (motherhood hadn’t changed her whole personality, after all!) that would look just as good on mental-health walks as at brunch with friends. Plus, it had to be vegan.

When her search for the perfect diaper bag was unsuccessful, she created it herself—not to mention a whole range of stylish and timeless handbags, backpacks, totes, clutches and accessories as well as suitcases, travel bags and passport holders for jet-setters. Today, Lambert boasts a team of more than 30 employees, has a flagship store in Montreal’s trendy Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood and is sold in more than 280 locations across Canada.

Now, the Canadian brand has recommitted to its eco-friendly, vegan ethos—starting with the new fall collection, Second Nature. Here’s what you can expect from Lambert going forward.

 

Recycled materials will take centre stage.

Starting in fall 2024 with the Second Nature collection (which is designed with recycled components), Lambert’s product lineup will be made from 80 percent recycled materials. By 2026, that number will climb to 100 percent.

All the materials continue to be vegan—and PETA certified.

From the start, Lambert has been guided by a respect for animals and using only vegan materials, including durable, attractive vegan leather. It chooses sustainable components like 100 percent recycled nylon, and its leather alternatives tend to be made from polyurethane (PU), which includes post-consumer recycled PU,  instead of polyvinyl chloride because it’s more environmentally friendly. The brand has shown its commitment to creating beautiful cruelty-free bags by receiving a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) certification and plans to continue reducing its impact on natural ecosystems wherever possible.

Each piece will retain the Lambert DNA: chic, versatile and practical.

As seen with the Second Nature capsule collection for autumn, timeless, elegant and durable design continues to be at the forefront of the Lambert brand. Take the new Bianca bag, for example. With its adjustable, removable strap, the sleek silhouette can be worn as a crossbody or a clutch thanks to its slim profile—meaning it seamlessly adapts to your daily life. The colour palette is inspired by the natural shades of the season, and the price point is competitive: $130. The rest of the collection ranges in price from $20 to $390.

Lambert promises to be an agent of change, continually striving to create collections that respect the environment and our place in it. Want to learn more? Visit designlambert.com.