Zouk Making Vegan Look Damn Good!

Veganism has been on the rise for years, and by now over 79 million people around the world are up and choosing a plant-based lifestyle. This growing shift isn’t just changing what we eat, it’s transforming our lifestyle; what we wear, how we look and much more. More people are now looking for fashion that’s kind to animals and the planet, especially in the luxury space. That means a bigger demand for stylish, high-quality vegan handbags and accessories.

One brand leading the way is Zouk, a proudly vegan label from India. From the vibrant streets of Kutch to wardrobes across India and beyond, known for its bold, modern designs rooted in Indian heritage, Zouk offers a beautiful range of bags, wallets, and footwear, all completely cruelty-free. While many brands are just starting to explore vegan options, Zouk has been 100 per cent vegan from day one.

The birth of Zouk

Co-founded by Pradeep Krishnakumar and inspired by his partner Disha’s travels, Zouk is more than just a fashion brand, it’s a movement rooted in ethics, design, and pride in Indian heritage. "Zouk was born from a realisation during Disha’s trip to Kutch: while people admired Indian handicrafts, they rarely purchased them due to a lack of modern functionality." That single insight sparked a bold idea, to build a brand that didn’t just showcase Indian artistry, but reimagined it for modern needs. But there was another turning point too, discovering the cruelty tied to leather production. "We decided to create a cruelty-free brand from the outset," Krishnakumar explains. 

The result? A PeTA-approved vegan label that celebrates style with conscience.

What makes Zouk stand out is its focus on preserving Indian craftsmanship while still wooing a younger, urban demographic. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are especially driving the adoption of plant-based, cruelty-free fashion items. Studies show that 50 per cent of millennial consumers consider the ethical values of brands before making purchase decisions. The fusion of traditional patterns with practical designs is not just an aesthetic choice, it's a bridge between generations. "Our design philosophy is always to have a fine balance of style and functionality," he says. From slings for students to elegant totes for professionals, Zouk’s catalogue speaks to a wide audience.

Star Power!

Lots of celebrities and influencers are now speaking up for veganism, and it’s making a big difference. Whether it’s through their Instagram posts or interviews, they’re spreading the message about animal rights, caring for the planet, and making kinder choices. And it doesn’t hurt to have some star power backing the brand. "Having Kriti Sanon as our Brand Ambassador and collaborating with Rhea Kapoor has significantly amplified our brand's reach and resonance." According to the Co- founder, both celebrities align perfectly with Zouk’s ethos, Kriti’s love for Indian craftsmanship and Rhea’s fashion-forward finesse make them more than just brand faces; they are authentic extensions of the Zouk narrative. And because so many people look up to them, more fans are getting curious and switching to vegan products too. 

Costumer in focus

The Luxury Vegan Handbags Market size is expected to reach $ 3.57 Bn by 2032, from $ 1.67 Bn in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.5 per cent during the forecast period. But who exactly is the Zouk customer? "The Zouk customer values products that are stylish, functional, and ethically made,” says Krishnakumar.

In a market flooded with fast fashion, this brand has found its niche among consumers who refuse to choose between style and sustainability. He added “To maintain accessibility, we focus on direct-to-consumer channels, marketplaces, quick commerce and our growing offline presence, making us the largest bags brand in India on Instagram. Our pricing strategy ensures quality and affordability go hand in hand, making ethical fashion accessible to a wider audience.”

Balancing ethical production with affordability is no easy feat, yet Zouk makes it seem seamless. "We found materials that were not only cruelty-free, but also durable, functional, and premium in look and feel," Krishnakumar notes. This dedication to quality without compromise is echoed in customer feedback, with many appreciating that they no longer have to choose between their values and their wardrobe.

What lies ahead? 

While Zouk remains deeply rooted in its Indian identity, global aspirations are very much on the horizon. "Global expansion is a key part of our growth strategy. Markets like the US, Canada, Europe as well as the Middle East are geographies of interest to us. Additionally, we're exploring new product categories that align with our brand values. Our aim is to take Indian craftsmanship to the world, offering products that are both ethically made and globally relevant," Krishnakumar concludes.