There is a garment in my wardrobe that is the basic par excellence: black leather pants. I love its touch and how it hugs the skin. It is a piece that does not go out of style and I rescue one season after another.
But you know what? I wouldn't buy it today.
Now I feel more comfortable choosing clothes that are not made with animal leather. But if you think that I give up buying nice things, you are very wrong.
Ever since I discovered vegan leather, I have been verifying that each season the options increase.
I would very much like to tell you what vegan leather is, why this material is so interesting and what it brings to the world of fashion. Are you coming?
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Vegan leather in fashion
Before I told you about clothing, but vegan leather extends to everything you can imagine (and that was traditionally made with animal leather).
Footwear and accessories is the following. And if not, think about how many shoes, boots, bags, or belts you've owned throughout your life, all made from animal leather.
But we are also talking about furniture: sofas, chairs, puffs… Or the upholstery of a car. Surely if you think about it you can think of more uses.
In any case, the fashion industry alone slaughters millions of animals every year. Most, raised on farms only for the purpose of entering the production chain.
Can we do without leather?
Traditionally, humans have used skin to dress, because it was an accessible, durable material and the priorities as a society were different.
Also, there weren't that many options either. The animal leather did its job.
But today the situation is different. We no longer live in caves and we have many more possibilities to choose from. It is no longer necessary to sacrifice animals. It is time for us to evolve as a society.
And that's where vegan leather comes in.
Today it is very accomplished. It imitates real leather and the sensations are very, very similar. Or better, because you know that no animal has been sacrificed.
There is vegan leather that is made from plastic (polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride are the most common). It does not seem like the best option, because it does not biodegrade and would have to be recycled at the end of its useful life.
But that's not why the trend is going to stop. There is already vegan leather on the market made entirely of vegetable raw material, a much more sustainable option.
Changing consumption habits, such as buying zero waste products , requires spending a little more time reading the labels to find out the origin and composition of the products, but I think it's worth it. And you?
Look what ideas! Let vegan leather into your life
As soon as you look into this world, you see that there are a lot of items that are already made with another philosophy.
The truth is that, until a few years ago, there was little to choose from, but today the range is expanding and I am very confident that vegan leather will soon win out over animal leather. Take a look at these ideas:
If you are going to buy a bag, you will no longer be able to forget that you have read this post, although that does not imply giving up design or color. And if not, take a look at this mini shopper from Von Holzhausen in a blush tone. Isn't it wonderful?
For ethical footwear, Mireia Playá's, like these perfect loafers for autumn.
And if you miss that basic I was talking about at the beginning, black leather pants, check out these from House CB.
For me, trying to find vegan leather clothes makes me feel more consistent with myself.
I think that with these small actions I do my bit for a more just society. Or, at least, I don't contribute to everything continuing the same as always.
And you, how do you see what I'm telling you? Do you also switch to vegan leather? Tell me what other changes you think are necessary to ensure animal welfare.