WHY YOU NEED A PIECE PLEATHER OF IN YOUR LIFE
CONSIDER THE WORD FAUX – an adjective that means imitation, artificial, fake. It’s seldom used to describe coveted, luxury pieces in the wardrobe. A ‘fake bag’ would indicate one bought from a market stall on holiday. But that’s all set to change: because vegan ‘leather’ is the must-have material you didn’t even know you wanted. A quick scan of street-style pictures from last week’s New York Fashion Week on Instagram (and on this page) reveals hordes of showgoers wearing ‘leathers’ from the Budapest-based brand Nanushka – buttery soft puffer jackets in caramel brown hues, or buttonedup maxidresses that can also be styled as a coat. Chic and cool, they’re as far removed from ‘pleather’ connotations as they are from the hide of a cow: and believe it or not, are 100% vegan. But it’s not just Nanushka – other cult brands are offering animal-free alternatives. Meghan Markle’s favourite sneaker brand Veja is completely sustainable: the French brand’s founder Sébastien Kopp is stopping at nothing to perfect the label’s ethical credentials. Veja’s new silhouette – a simple white lace-up with a slightly platformed sole – is made from a new ‘leather’ mix of waxed cotton and corn waste. Meanwhile, London-based brand Shrimps’ candy-coloured Converse collaboration, and Matt and Nat’s supple bucket bags are both entirely vegan.
‘Our vegan leather that we use mainly for ready-to-wear often gets mistaken for real leather because of its look and soft texture,’ says Sandra Sandor, founder of Nanushka. ‘ We use ecologically-certified, Pvc-free materials from an Italian supplier, and by doing so we cut out the tanning process which usually involves toxic chemicals. We need to help preserve our planet for the future generations.’
Now you can wear a ‘leather’ dress, or carry a ‘leather’ tote, safe in the knowledge neither have damaged the environment. Faux might just be the most covetable word – and buy – of all.