In September 2025, the Emmys were not only a celebration of television excellence but also a showcase of innovation in sustainable and cruelty-free fashion. The collaboration between PETA and the Italian vegan handbag brand Miomojo brought “Vegan Luxury to the Backstage Emmys Giving Suite,” an initiative designed to highlight high-end, stylish accessories crafted entirely without animal products. This partnership set a new precedent for environmentally conscious glamour in Hollywood.

PETA and Miomojo: Advocating for Ethical Style

PETA, long recognized for its advocacy of animal rights, orchestrated the initiative with the goal of demonstrating that luxury fashion does not have to come at the expense of animals. Through this collaboration, Emmy nominees, presenters, and winners were offered the opportunity to choose handbags made from innovative, plant-based materials. By providing celebrities with sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives, PETA aimed to spark awareness and encourage the adoption of ethical fashion choices both on and off the red carpet.

Miomojo, an Italian brand renowned for its “positive luxury” approach, produces vegan handbags and accessories using cutting-edge plant-derived materials. Their craftsmanship merges elegance with ethical responsibility, proving that high-fashion style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. PETA described the initiative as a way to “help Hollywood shine a spotlight on how easy it is to cut cruelty to cows and other animals from our closets,” reinforcing the message that conscious fashion choices are accessible and chic.

The Backstage Giving Suite Experience

Held in collaboration with the Television Academy Foundation, the Backstage Giving Suite offered a curated selection of Miomojo handbags to Emmy participants. Each bag was crafted from sustainable, plant-based leathers, derived from materials that would otherwise go to waste:

• Apple-based leather: Made from discarded apple cores and peels, this material transforms food waste into a soft, durable fabric.
• Corn-based leather: Using bioplastic derived from corn, the material offers flexibility and longevity comparable to traditional leather.
• Olive-based leather: Crafted from bio-waste from olive production, this material provides a unique texture and environmental advantage.

By offering these options, the initiative not only spared animals from harm but also emphasized environmental stewardship, highlighting the reduced ecological footprint compared to conventional leather production.

Hollywood Embraces Vegan Fashion

The response from Emmy stars was enthusiastic. Among those selecting Miomojo handbags were acclaimed actors such as Angela Bassett, Elizabeth Banks, Bowen Yang, Mariska Hargitay, Tony Goldwyn, and Uzo Aduba. Each celebrity’s choice underscored the growing appeal of cruelty-free, sustainable fashion in elite circles. By wearing accessories crafted from apples, corn, or olives, these high-profile figures sent a clear message: luxury and ethics can coexist seamlessly.

The initiative resonated beyond the red carpet, inspiring fashion-conscious viewers to consider the broader implications of their wardrobe choices. Through innovative plant-based materials and elegant design, Miomojo’s handbags demonstrate that sustainability, animal welfare, and high fashion can all align.

Sustainability at the Core

A key focus of the collaboration was the environmental impact of plant-based leathers. Traditional leather production is resource-intensive and often involves chemical tanning processes that pollute water and soil. In contrast, Miomojo’s approach repurposes agricultural by-products, transforming food waste into premium materials. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces landfill contributions, creating a more circular and responsible fashion industry.

A Vision for the Future of Fashion

The 2025 Emmys Backstage Giving Suite exemplifies how celebrity influence can advance ethical and sustainable initiatives. By offering vegan luxury items to high-profile figures, PETA and Miomojo encourage wider adoption of plant-based alternatives in the fashion world. This approach not only protects animals but also supports environmental sustainability, proving that every choice—from a handbag to a lifestyle—can make a meaningful difference.

For those interested in learning more about sustainable fashion, ethical consumerism, and innovative cruelty-free initiatives, Sustainable Action Now offers a wealth of resources, news, and updates on how individuals and organizations are reshaping industries to prioritize the planet and its wildlife.