The appetite for fast fashion has dissipated over the past several years. It’s simply no longer stylish to buy?throw away “trend” pieces. Today’s modern consumer prefers to make a considered choice, not just about the item he or she?buys, but about how it is created too. Just as most of us favour a farm to fork approach from our food suppliers, shoppers are coveting transparency and authenticity from the brands they buy clothes from.
Stella McCartney is probably the best know (almost) vegan fashion designer right now. But if you can’t afford to spend €1,500 on a handbag (and I know I can’t), it doesn’t have to mean that you’re not in the market for ethical clothing. Here are three of the best, and most affordable, vegan fashion brands available.
US brand Vaute?Couture has removed animals from the fashion equation entirely, and was the first vegan label ever to show at New York Fashion Week, in 2013. Signature pieces include its waxed and snow coats, but its casual wear is worth checking out too. I love this unisex shirt in particular.
Accessories brand Matt & Nat offers beautifully made leather-look handbags, from crossbody to backpacks and everything in between. Over the years, the brand has experimented with recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork, and most?handbag linings are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. This tote has removable as well as fixed length straps, so can be worn crossbody too.
Every one of Beyond Skin’s shoes is beautifully handmade in Spain. The brand is dedicated to demonstrating that fashion and ethics go hand in hand. These pretty retro sandals are so chic, and a classic pair of heels worthy of a place in any woman’s wardrobe.
Holding shot: Vaute Couture