On Wednesday, February 6, Vaute Couture became the first all vegan fashion line to show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. While it is quite common to see leather, fur and shearling walking fall runways, Vaute Couture offers adorable fall coats, tights and sweaters made without any animal skins or any products that have been tested on animals. To hammer the point home, models walked the runway alongside bow-adorned dogs.
The brainchild of 30-year-old designer Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Vaute Couture is dedicated to bringing cruelty-free fashion to people of all taste levels. Besides being made completely out of organic, plant based fibers and faux leather, they are also made in a sustainable manner. The designer uses zero-waste, recycled and organic fabrics whenever possible.
Although designers such as Charlotte Ronson, Stella McCartney and Carolina Herrera have created collections sans fur, Vaute Couture is the first independent, all-vegan fashion house to show at New York Fashion Week. The show marks a big step in bringing vegan fashion out from the fringes and into the main stream. Mary, a Denver native and animal rights activist, thinks that the show is a step in the right direction. “Humans have the technology and compassion to create clothing, cosmetics and accessories without harming animals and still look fabulous. Vegan fashion is no longer ‘just for hippies.’”
While many of the Fall 2013 collections still feature leather, fur and other animal fabrics, this show has definitely made the statement that there are stylish, trendy options out there for people who do not want to harm their furry friends in the name of fashion. Other designers may just follow suit.
What do you think about high fashion vegan clothing? Share your thoughts.
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