Compassion and Consciousness: Styles That Look Good on Everyone
Once upon a time, cutting-edge fashion meant fur, leather, and wool. These words in fashion meant -- and still mean -- one thing only: cruelty. In today's fashion world, however, fashion designers and important retail companies are bringing something new and overdue to their consumers. It's about time. There is absolutely no need to cause harm, pain, and bring animals to their death for fashionable clothes.
As a vegan and animal lover, I am often asked, "How can you dress nicely if you can't wear anything?" and, of course, "Where do you shop?"
Before I explore a few of my favorite fashion brands, it is important to recognize that because of modernization and technology, today's consumers are more aware of what they're really supporting with their purchases. Many are saying, "Absolutely not, no way," to the thought of wearing the fur or skin of an animal. Instead, they are looking for more animal- and earth-friendly options to complete their wardrobes.
This shift of consciousness has made the words "organic," "cruelty free," and "sustainable" more than just marketing buzzwords. They are now labels that consumers are actively seeking out and distinctions that designers are proudly offering in their product lines.
An added bonus for shopping with compassion? Many companies have incorporated forward-thinking business practices into their daily operations and make it a priority to give back, partnering with various environmental, humanitarian, and animal-related causes around the world.
Let's take a look at some of these revolutionary brands:
Free People is an American bohemian apparel and lifestyle retail company that sells women's clothing, accesories, shoes, and swimwear.
Soft vegan leather collarless biker jacket / the perfect gladiator sandal in vegan leather / rugged and edgy convertible vegan tote featuring metal hardware and zipper detailing (Photos: Free People)
Melissa delivers sustainable vegan footwear made from recycled plastic. Melissa - a Brazilian brand - also reuses 99 percent of water and waste and recycles and uses overstock models from old collections into the next seasons. From glossy flats to heels and boots, these shoes are made from nontoxic Meflex plastic in eco-conscious factories. Every time I wear my Melissa Soldier boots, people stop me to ask me where I got my shoes.
Melissa Soldier Boots (Photo: Melissa Shoes)
Harveys is a southern California-based design house founded by a husband and wife team. While restoring a vintage car, they were inspired to repurpose the seat belts into bags. By discovering value in the unexpected, and utilizing alternative materials, Harveys creates useful products that are sustainable and vegan.
Harveys Crossbody Bag. (Photo: Harveys)
This bag is made of car seatbelts and has a recycled plastic bottle interior lining. Eco-friendly at its finest.
An outspoken animal advocate, Stella McCartney has made it part of her brand to never work with fur or leather. She uses responsible materials and has called on her fellow designers to do the same.
Stella McCartney Falabella Tote / Stella McCartney Purple Faux Leahter Asymmetric Jacket (Photos: Stella McCartney)
UK designer and longtime vegetarian renounced using fur in designs after learning from PETA about the cruel practices of the fur industry.
Vivene Westwood Anglomania Beige Faux Fur Collar Bomber Jacket (Photo: Polyvore)
Why choose vegan fashion? Animals are sentinet beings with feelings, just like human beings. They, too, have the right to live their lives freely. With companies supporting vegan fashion like those listed above and many others, there is no need to purchase clothes that hurt or kill animals. Now, we can still look fashionable while being compassionate.
