Animal/Eco Friendly Clothing

[sonya]

Hi!

My name is Sonya and I'm a fashion designer in Seattle. I have an idea of creating a line of clothing (women's to start) that is eco and animal friendly. It will be geared toward the 25-40 year old urban professional woman and would reflect my style which is a bit vintage and a bit modern (sorry there's no visual!), and be mostly dresses, skirts, handbags, etc. I'm wondering, would you guys buy it? Does it sound like something that's needed on the market? How do you feel about cruelty-free silk? The silkworms don't die but is silk still a no-no b/c it's an animal by-product? Just curious. Any feedback you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Sonya

[kpickell]

Hi Sonya!

How does one get cruelty-free silk?

[sonya]

Hi!

There is a company in India called Ahimsa Peace Silk. So far, they are the only company I've found. Are you vegan and if so would you wear cruelty free silk?

[kpickell]

Yes, I'm vegan. I would be skeptical of cruelty free silk, thinking that it was a gimmick (like "free range hens"), so I probably wouldn't buy it if I didn't know much about the process. Plus, just as with pleather, you then get the constant remarks "I thought you were vegan, why are you wearing silk?" so probably not worth the hassle or added expensive.

But I did a google search for that company though and found it intersting. http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=77041

[sonya]

Thanks for your input. I've decided not to use the cruelty-free silk since I can't guarantee that it truly is cruelty-free. Besides, there are a lot of great alternatives to silk that are naturally animal-free.

[Quizeen]

Hey Sonya, I'd definitely check out any such clothing. I'm always on the look out for sweatshop free vegan clothing that is at least remotely reasonably priced, and goes beyond things like undies, plain camisoles, socks, and lounge pants.

As far as the silk goes, I'm glad you opted out. As a vegan, I wouldn't purchase any animal products regardless of how humanely procurred they were claimed to be.

[mouse]

I would certainly be interested, although I'm past your age range at 48.

[ceryna]

I'd definitely check it out, most of my clothes come from discount retailers around here, and the only vegan steps I can take is to check labels and avoid animal materials, but I don't know how the clothes are made, or by whom, or how those individuals are treated. Eco-friendly, animal-friendly clothing made by an ethical group would definitely have my interest.

(I'm 25, btw.)

[sonya]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I think a brand that is consistently vegan/sweatshop-free is much needed in the marketplace. No more having to read every label to make sure a garment is friendly! I've found some great fabrics too, including some synthetic leathers that actually breathe. I'm excited to use them!

Mouse, don't feel like you're out of the demographic. I've had a lot of interest from 18-55+ year olds. It's good to know the line appeals to a broad range of women!

Do you ladies have any clothing/accessory requests you'd like to be vegan?

[mouse]

The one item that I have the hardest time finding is vegan belts. I can find plain strip belts, but I like things that are a bit more "interesting."

[epski]

But no men, eh? :(

[sonya]

I'm not trying to leave the men out! The men's line will be happening (hopefully) sooner than a year. Is it challenging to find good men's wear that is eco/animal friendly?

[epski]

Well, jeans and T's are easy, but for dress clothes, absolutely. Think shoes, belts, ties, and all the freakin' wool suits... It's a nightmare trying to find fashionable, high-quality men's work clothes.

[sonya]

Thanks Epski! I had request for a children's line but I'd like to offer a men's line first. I can see how professional work clothes are very hard to get in anything animal friendly. I'm looking for a good alternative to wool suits and will keep you posted.

[lucysoop]

does anyone here know of any vegan/sweatshop free shoes besides vegan essentials because human rights are just as important as animal rights.

[xrodolfox]

does anyone here know of any vegan/sweatshop free shoes besides vegan essentials because human rights are just as important as animal rights.

My friend runs www.mooshoes.com out in NYC. I believe that her shoes are both labor friendly and cruelty free.

I would be very interested in a stylish cruelty free labor friendly clothier.

My problem has been that most cruelty free stuff I have seen is patently ugly as it caters to the new age baggy multi colored wearing hippy free love style... which just doesn't flatter well. :evil:

[epski]

I love MooShoes. Wear 'em every day. Wearing my Justin shoes at work right now, in fact. I highly recommend them. I do have a pair of Deja Shoes from China that only cost $30, so... Well, let's just say I assumed they were ethically produced, seeing as how I got them at MooShoes, but it's always best to ask 'em for yourself.

[CharityAJO]

I would like to see some form-fitting cruelty-free apparel on the market.

Organic cotton, recycled eco-friendly apparel tends to be very loose and flowing. I'm not into that. Give me something cute, that accentuates my tiny body, and I'll buy it. :)