An Ashoka Paris piece is more than its primary material. It is made up of carefully selected components—from the exterior and lining to every finishing detail—all chosen with the same exacting standards: vegan leather goods that never compromise on quality, durability, or aesthetics.

Our exterior materials are designed to match—and sometimes surpass—the look and feel of premium materials, without relying on animal leather. Vegan isn't our selling point; it's our starting point.

The exterior: our signature materials

Uppeal™: our apple-based material

Ashoka Paris's signature material since April 2018, Uppeal™ is a plant-based material made from apple residues sourced from the Italian food industry. The raw material is collected in Bolzano, in northern Italy, before being transformed in Florence—a city where craftsmanship and innovation have long gone hand in hand.

When the brand debuted at Veggie World in April 2018, Ashoka Paris unveiled one of the first French handbags made from an apple-based material: the Eclipse.

Uppeal™ and AppleSkin refer to the very same material. In 2023, the manufacturer simply rebranded it under the name Uppeal™.

Bamboo-based material

Since July 2025, Ashoka Paris has been working with a bamboo-based material, a plant fibre that combines suppleness, durability and lightness. The House is among the first vegan leather goods brands in France to introduce a collection crafted from this innovative material.

It reflects our ongoing exploration of alternatives to animal-derived materials, without ever compromising on elegance or longevity. Today, it is featured in the Mini-Paname Bambou Sable, the Brigitte Sable, and a selection of small leather goods.

Mylo™: the mycelium-based material

Mylo™ is a material made from mycelium, the underground root structure of mushrooms, grown in less than two weeks in a vertical farming facility.

Composed of mycelium and recycled fibres, Mylo™ underwent more than 5,000 iterations to meet the aesthetic and technical standards required of a premium material. Ashoka Paris uses it for a curated selection of small leather goods.

Bio-Nappa: the grain-based material

The Bio-Nappa used for Ashoka sneakers is made from bio-based polyols derived from non-food, non-GMO grains, combined with certified textiles, including FSC-certified viscose and GRS-certified recycled polyester. This entirely plant-based material, certified by PETA, delivers the suppleness and comfort expected from an exceptional sneaker.

The interior: recycled microsuede

For the interiors of selected bags, and for pieces such as the Brigitte Oxymore, Ashoka Paris uses recycled microsuede, whose soft, velvety feel recalls suede with remarkable authenticity from the very first touch.

Depending on its application, it is available in two compositions: a lining quality (86% recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles and 14% elastane) and an outer quality, used notably for the Brigitte Oxymore (61% recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles and 39% polyester).

On the Brigitte Oxymore, the recycled microsuede is paired with smooth Uppeal™ to create a striking contrast of textures that defines the character of the design.

The lining: recycled PET fabric

The interior of every Ashoka Paris bag and wallet is lined with a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. The collected bottles are sorted, transformed into recycled pellets, and then spun into textile fibres. On average, just two to three bottles are enough to line an entire bag.

This lining is composed of 86% recycled PET and 14% elastane, a combination that provides the suppleness and durability expected of the interior of premium leather goods.

The metal hardware

For clasps, buckles and removable chains, Ashoka Paris chooses noble materials, selected for their longevity: brass and zamak, in varnished gold or varnished nickel finish depending on the model.

Brass, a traditional alloy used in saddlery for centuries, develops a patina that grows more beautiful over time. Zamak, lighter, ensures the precision of the structured clasps that signature the silhouette of Ashoka bags.

Caring for an Ashoka piece

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your piece, a few simple gestures are enough.

For models in UPPEAL™, bamboo leather or Mylo™, gently clean with a damp cloth, optionally lightly soapy. Avoid chemical products.

For pieces in microsuede, gently brush with a damp crepe brush.

Designed to carry across the seasons, our creations preserve their hold and allure over time when cared for with attention.

To discover our creations, explore our collections of vegan bags, vegan sneakers and vegan fur.