harm.less

Leather and fur are so old school; the future of fashion is ethical, sustainable, and sexy.

In keeping with these changing trends, the world saw its first-ever completely vegan Fashion Week in Los Angeles recently.

Hundreds of people flocked to see (and buy) the hottest in stunning, cruelty-free threads from more than 50 labels. Those looking to purchase these pieces should see if the labels and brands featured in the show are on the Raise website where you can find out whether coupons and promo codes are available. Retailers like Macy’s also feature there so, if you’re in search of the latest fashions, you should be able to grab yourself a bargain!

Designers and brands showcasing their styles included the iconic Vegan Club, Dr. Marten, Matea Benedetti, Noemie Devime, Altiir, Bayem, Ecopel, Enda, New Rock, Mink Shoes (a favorite of Miley Cyrus), Mistohn, Sarah Regensburger, Chloe Trujillo, WastedLA, Arsayo, and more.

The multi-day event took place in different locales including the chic California Market Center and the world-famous Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The CMC showroom included a powerful installation by artist Le Fou, founder of Vegan Club, in collaboration with Humane Trafficking.

For Saturday night’s runway show, celebs like musician and long-time activist Moby, and actresses Mena Suvari and Harley Quinn Smith (daughter of Kevin Smith) had front row seats.

On the runway and in the showroom there were gorgeous custom boots — chunky and slim, cork “leather” backpacks, organic cotton wedding dresses, faux shearling coats, elaborate gowns, and edgy “Vegan Rebel” jackets by Vegan Club. There were “leathers” made from orange, apple, pineapple leaf, and other unique and innovative materials.

The show was put together by fashion industry veteran Emmanuelle Rienda, who curated it specifically to showcase the diverse array of gorgeous, cruelty-free options now available.

“With this event we’re showing the world that vegan fashion is not just equally good but even better,” says Le Fou, whose Vegan Club apparel was a hot seller in the showroom, and featured collaborations with @marykolende, @_actions_not_words, @bjwanderlust, and @praxis_vgz.

The event was even covered by The New York Times, a major win from a mainstream publication.

“In the past, we were calling it faux leather, but we don’t want to be faux or fake anything now,” Silvia Gallo, president of luxury vegan handbag brand Jeane & Jax, told the famous publication. “When people look at our purses, they can’t tell if they are leather or not.”

“After a very successful launch, I am already planning the next vegan fashion week in one of the biggest fashion destinations of the world,” founder Rienda said in a press release. “I am on a mission to challenge the fashion industry at its roots until cruelty-free is the norm.”

It’s only a matter of time before pineapple leather is the new norm.

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