How Vegan Fashion is Redefining Style and Ethics

How Vegan Fashion is Redefining Style and Ethics. As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the fashion industry’s environmental and ethical impact (as well as our own), vegan fashion has emerged as a powerful movement. Combining style and ethics, Vegan fashion eliminates animal-derived materials in clothing, footwear and accessories. 

 

Here at Studio Eva D., we embrace the concept of seasonless outfits with a significantly lower environmental impact than other fast-fashion brands. In this ultimate guide, we will explore how vegan fashion is redefining style and ethics, showcasing its positive impact on the fashion industry and the planet.

 

Vegan Fashion: What is it?

 

Vegan fashion refers to clothing, footwear, and accessories produced without animal-derived materials or by-products.

 

The movement aims to eliminate the use of materials such as fur, leather, silk, wool, down feathers, and exotic skins usually used by traditional fashion brands, particularly high fashion brands. 

 

Instead, brands are utilising plant-based, synthetic, or recycled materials to create stylish and innovative designs that are cruelty-free and align with the principles of compassion and respect for all living beings.

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan Fashion: What’s it made of?

 

Plant-based fabrics 

 

• Organic cotton – Grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, organic cotton is a popular choice for vegan fashion due to its softness and breathability.
• Linen – Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen is lightweight, breathable, and known for its natural texture.

 

Plant-based leathers

 

• Mushroom leather – Also known as “MuSkin,” this leather alternative is made from the roots of mushroom caps and offers a soft and leather-like texture.
• Piñatex – Made from pineapple leaf fibres, Piñatex is a sustainable alternative to leather that offers a similar texture and durability.

 

Sounds pretty sustainable, right? Well, although vegan fashion aims to avoid animal-derived materials, non-sustainable materials are also used in vegan fashion. These materials may have negative environmental impacts due to their production processes or lack of biodegradability.

 

Synthetic leather

 

Some synthetic leather alternatives, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane), can be non-sustainable. Typically derived from petroleum, these materials require energy-intensive manufacturing processes and may also release harmful chemicals during production and disposal.

 

Synthetic fabrics 

 

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, when not made from recycled materials, are derived from petroleum and have a significant environmental impact. Their production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and pollution.

 

Consumers need to be aware of these materials and choose brands that prioritise sustainable alternatives. 

 

Want to know more about innovative materials in sustainable fashion? Check out our blog ‘Materials for a greener future: The latest developments in sustainable material sourcing.’

 

Vegan Fashion: What’s the point?

 

Using animal-free materials, Vegan Fashion offers an array of benefits from an ethical and sustainable standpoint.

 

Animal Welfare

 

We’ve been using animal fur for clothing since the dawn of time. The earliest discoveries of animal skin clothing date back to around 120,000 years ago, during the time of the Neanderthals. The 18th century saw early European settlers making hats from beaver pelts, causing the near extinction of North American beavers. Even now, there are Australian native saltwater crocodiles being bred in captivity for their skin. 

 

Vegan fashion eliminates the use of materials derived from animals, reducing the demand for animal exploitation and cruelty in the fashion industry. By avoiding materials such as fur, leather, and exotic skins, vegan fashion promotes compassionate and cruelty-free choices. 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Sustainability

 

Indeed by now, we know the detrimental effects the fashion industry has on the environment, especially from fast-fashion brands and the bin lorry’s worth of clothing being tossed out every second. Despite the claims of ‘Natural Leather’ being a sustainable option, the leather industry itself has detrimental environmental effects, with Brazil being responsible for 80% of the Amazon’s deforestation for cattle. 

 

Vegan fashion reduces the environmental footprint associated with animal farming, including deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land degradation. Still, we see leather alternatives manufactured from crude oil to create synthetic fabric, meaning masses of non-degradable materials and microplastics polluting the ocean and our bodies!

 

Great news for animals. Not great for the planet. 

 

Social Responsibility

 

Animal lives aren’t the only lives Vegan fashion brands are trying to improve. With ethical business practices and fair labour standards, many vegan brands are prioritising transparency, responsible resourcing and fair working conditions throughout their supply chains. 

 

In 2018, creative director Emmanuelle Rienda founded Vegan Fashion Week, a nonprofit with a global impact to support brands in transitioning their methods to more sustainable practices, emphasising the cultural and environmental impact of fashion.

 

So far, the movement has raised $60 million in media impact value, catapulting the global vegan fashion trend into the spotlight across world-renowned publications.

 

 

 

Vegan Fashion: What can I wear?

 

Vegan-style clothing is not limited to a specific aesthetic or style. Here at Studio Eva D, we have a fantastic selection of Vegan-friendly materials for your wardrobe this summer!

 

Shirt ‘Axl’ long yellow

 

Made from soft cotton in a contemporary bright yellow hue, this elegant long shirt/dress has a relaxed fit, a classic shirt collar and softbox pleating for volume. The side pockets add a functional finish. The sizes are stated in numbers as an indication of how you prefer to wear your clothing, fitted or oversized.

 

 

Rain cape ‘Mule’ of water-repellent cotton

 

Cape Coat Mule is made from flexible water-repellent cotton. The cape closes with press studs, just like the upright collar. The cape has a wind catcher with mesh fabric on the back. You can create wide cape sleeves by pressing buttons. The length is over the hip. With the belts inside, you can easily carry Mule around. This product is made to order from a low-waste point of view, making the delivery time a little longer.

 

 

Short ‘Heit’ BB Blue

 

With these soft BB check cotton shorts, you get a classic here.

 

The elasticated waistband provides all-day comfort. With its knee-length straight legs and dropped crotch, this pair of shorts can be worn by various bodies.

 

This product is made to order from a low-waste point of view, making the delivery time a little longer. The sizes are stated in numbers as an indication of how you prefer to wear your clothing, fitted or oversized.

 

 

Vegan Fashion: The Future

 

Although it’s imperfect, the future looks bright for Vegan fashion.

 

With a growing influence in an industry desperate for a better image and a greener future, it’s certainly a better option than the usual fast-fashion culprits. 

 

We’ve highlighted the technological developments of material alternatives, transparency and global awareness.

 

As more of us embrace the values of cruelty-free and eco-conscious fashion, the Vegan fashion industry will continue to evolve.

 

Wear what you love. Cherish it, and it lasts a long time.

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