Fashion, Evolved

1.  Forest Fascination Cedar Choker – $90

By Argentinian artist Carmen Anocibar, this beautiful necklace is thoroughly contemporary. She sets a cedar wood oval in silver to create the pendant. It is worn on a minimalist choker.

2.  Azuri Fleur Shawl – $200

Expertly woven from the finest pashmina & silk, this shawl can be used year-round, day and night. 50% Pashmina & 50% Silk. 72″ length x 22 ” width. Fringed ends. Imported. Dry clean.

3.  Heartwood Skirt by She Bible – $125

This organic cotton skirt by She Bible is a union of form and function. Brass button detailing and a high-cut waist keep things fashion-forward, while the relaxed silhouette and deep pockets make it a practical choice for everyday wear. 100% Organic Cotton. Made in San Francisco.

4.  Prague by Olsen Haus – $225

100% vegan faux suede in black and magenta.  Heel 3″.

5. Organic Cotton Tights – $26

Maggie’s Organic tights feature a textured pattern in three colors.

1.  Beyond Skin Red and Black Hazel T-Strap Pump

Hand Made in Spain, this bold T bar court shoe is just divine. The contrast of fabric textures and colour combinations accentuate the style perfectly. The Faux patent used in this shoe is a Polyurethane rather than the polluting and harmful PVC

2.  Power Skirt by Raw Earth Wild Sky

Show them who’s boss in this high waist skirt made from form-fitting but oh-so-comfortable jersey. The perfect working woman’s wardrobe addition – looks great with boots or heels and can be worn over or under just about any blouse in your closet.

3.  Plastic Bag Bangles

These cute and chunky bangles add a little color to any outfit. Textured look is created from the wound up plastic bags. The “upcycled” design helps keep plastic bags out of the waste stream. 4″ X 1.5″

4.  Recycled Shell Handbag

Made from recycled sea sells, this darling bag also features a satin fabric piping shoulder strap, satin lining, interior pocket and zipper closure.  Dimensions: 9.5″L x 3″W x 6.5″H

5.  Truly Organic Neve Blouse

The Neve blouse offers casual elegance with a long fit, beautiful coconut buttons, a mandarin collar and flared sleeves. Made from 100% organic cotton, machine wash.

Rebecca Borough is on a mission.  A few years ago, this former model and long-time vegan decided it was high time someone created a line of fabulous, fashionable shoes out of cruelty-free materials.  So she did.

“When I stared this company there was no understanding at all of what I was trying to do,” Rebecca told me on the phone as she waited in the airport for her flight to Italy.  The ironically named MINK Shoes is designed by her and manufactured by a third-generation Italian shoemaker and his family.  Each shoe in the collection is named after a different animal which just goes to prove that vegans do have a sense of humor.

“I decided to make them in Italy because I wanted to create a high quality vegan shoe.  What was available were cheap plastic shoes made in China–but I’m not interested in mass producing on that level without any passion or care in the final product.  The finest shoes in the world come from Italy, so that’s where I went,”  she said, describing the vision of her company.  “I still work as a stylist and put my own money in to growing MINK.  My dream is to make a successful company that helps change the way people view animals.  I have an extremely talented and dedicated team who have worked with me from the beginning–we love what we do and we’re excited about the recognition we are getting.”

It takes even the experienced shoemaker 5-6 hours to make a pair of shoes by hand. They are hand-crafted with masterful skill and a great attention to detail.  “Once I wanted a particular color of buckle for my design, and we couldn’t find them anywhere,” she said, “and the shoemaker went through and hand painted each one to match exactly what I wanted.”

I asked Rebecca why she thinks there is a resistance to vegan shoes.  “I think there’s an incorrect idea that leather is stronger than fabric, but if you think about it, all the exterior fabrics used on boats or outdoor equipment is either fabric or man-made.  These materials far outlast leather when it is exposed to the elements. I go to the shoe shows in Italy and see so many different non-animal fabrics and materials it is really crazy to me that more people don’t want to use them.”

Her line ranges from the demure to the racy and covers everything in between.  People who love high-end shoes from the likes of Manolo Blahnik and other couture designers will drool over the fine footwear made by MINK which is created with high fashion in mind.

As she looks for ways to increase her company’s presence in the market, develops new styles, and manages her own business on top of her regular “day job”, Rebecca sets an example for women who want to make a change in the world.  Don’t wait for someone to come and deliver it to you on a silver platter or write you a big check to get started on your dreams.

Go after them yourself, with all your heart and sole.

Last week I received a press release about the London, UK opening of the first ever vegan shoe store.  Bourgeois Boheme has had a web presence for a few years.  Their 100% vegan shoes are not only beautiful, but made in an ethical and sustainable manner.

With one of the broadest style ranges of any vegan shoe line, Bourgeois Boheme also carries men’s shoes, and accessories including handbags, gloves, belts and even some cosmetics.  Their physical store will carry their own products, as well as those from other sustainable designers.

Now…if we could only get them to open a store in the U.S.