April 12, 2022

VEGAN FASHION TRENDS: WHEN LUXURY MEETS COMPASSION

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, sustainable fashion is gaining popularity as a way to reduce waste and promote ethical practices in the fashion industry.

In recent years, the vegan movement has been making waves in the fashion industry. With the rise of conscious consumerism, more and more people are choosing to opt for cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives to animal-based products. This shift is not only good for the environment and animal welfare but also for personal comfort and style.

Recently a client approached me with an unusual request, she wanted to sell her whole collection of Hermes and Chanel items. Here’s how this came to be….

“After an anticipated trip to Paris, I began re-examining the idea of owning leather goods. I had recently made a life transition that introduced me to different social circles. I found that I was able to carrying vegan handbags and wear designer jewelry more comfortably. Animal-based products no longer served my lifestyle”.

Made of Mushrooms! Coppi Barbieri via The Robb Report

The MycoWorks Reishi leather is available for any fashion brand to use. Photo courtesy MycoWorks via The Robb Report.

Fortunately, luxury brands such as Hermes have started to take notice and introducing vegan alternatives. For instance, Hermes recently launched Sylvania, a biotech leather made from mushrooms. Other brands like Stella McCartney have long been committed to using animal-free materials like faux leather and fur in their designs. Even up-and-coming designers like Jaqui McCarthy of Jaqui Co are making waves with their vegan footwear designs.

It's not just about being ethical but also about making a fashion statement. A vegan lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing luxury or style. These days, you can find vegan alternatives for almost anything, including shoes, bags, jewelry, and even cosmetics. And with the increasing demand for vegan products, more designers and brands are jumping on the bandwagon.

The future of fashion looks bright for vegans with designer taste. As this client expressed, "there is hope that luxury brands like Hermes will continue to push forward as industry leaders in vegan leather goods. Who knows, maybe in the near future, we will see a 28cm black Sylvania Kelly with a special stamp, perhaps a leaf or a little mushroom instead of a horseshoe" to satisfy the cravings of fashion-forward vegans everywhere.