Heels.com Insider: Make the Switch…Go Cruelty Free

Posted by Kait on Thursday Apr 15, 2010
See more posts by Kait

After reading a blog about the upcoming fur laden Fall styles,  (thanks Shoe Girl) I have come to the conclusion that I am very naive about the whole cruelty free industry. Don’t have a cow (pardon the pun, I couldn’t help myself)! I have nothing against any of these designers; their work is impeccable. I just feel badly for the poor animal on my feet!

YSL Fall 2010 RTW 

Emilio Pucci Fall 2010 RTW

Louis Vuitton Fur Bracelet

I’m not an activist, but I love animals. All of them! The thought of fur gives me the heebie jeebies. It has for years. So when I saw all of those shoes with all of that fur, I was heart broken. I brought it up to Lindsay that these designers must not have a cconscience to be able to come up with a design knowing that animals will be hurt. To me, it’s unjustifiable, but she brought up a great point… 

Everyday, people use goods that come from animals. Especially leather! Check your car, your closet and your home. I’ve never thought of this before (I’m sure most of you are thinking that I must be clueless) but some of my favorite shoes are made of leather, and the sofa at my mom’s house is leather and I love it. The seats in my car are leather. An innocent cow was harmed for humans to have these luxury items. They aren’t the brightest of animals, but it is a life.  I will be keeping all of these things, as they are a part of my life, but I am very much more aware of the difference I can make by paying more attention.   

I don’t mean to offend anyone. Everybody has an opinion and this is mine. I’m open to yours as well.

I have heard some of the horror shown in the movie Food Inc. I won’t get into details, but if you are serious about a cruelty free lifestyle, I would recommend to watch it. It’s pretty harsh the way most animals, bred for production, are treated.

I know it may be difficult for some of us to say adieu to our beloved leather or fur shoes. I don’t think I could steer away from all leather shoes; they are just too beautiful. I will be trying harder to look for man-made products. Just think, Natalie Portman did it! She just launched a vegan line for Te Casan. Pretty cute.  And you will also save money. We could all use little more of that these days. Man-made products are much less expensive than leather and fur goods.

Conveniently, we have a vegan in house. Kinda funny huh?! The only complaint he had about vegan footwear is that they fall apart quickly. Because of the glue used, it’s hold is not as strong as industrial strength. He bought his shoes from Moo Shoes. I have found some other sites too. I also found this list from PETA. Check them out!

www.veganchic.com

www.toms.com

www.alternativeoutfitters.com

Don’t forget about us too! We have many styles that are not leather. And you know they have to be cute if  we are selling them! Read the product descriptions to see what the material is.

1. Holly 04.15.10 / 10pm

   Saw Food, Inc. and although it was difficult to watch it totally changed my thinking. Actually just watched “No Impact Man” and loved it too. Couldn’t go that extreme, but it makes ya think! Thanks for your post :)
   xo, http://www.hollyinheels.com
2. Silke / know what and where.com 04.30.10 / 10am

   Great post and so true! We did a piece on Elizabeth Olsen, an American designer who designs awesome vegan footwear for her label olsenHaus and I recommend having a look at her collection.
   Her shoes look great and you wouldn’t guess that they are vegan or notice the difference.They are hot!
   Check it out: http://www.knowwhatandwhere.com/fashion/footwear?article=hot-eco-friendly-footwear-for-vegan-chicks-and-fashionistas
   Some of Stella McCartney’s shoes are also said to be vegan and I think they are another great example that it doesn’t always need to be leather or even fur.
3. Rebbecca Narciso 06.30.11 / 12am

   Currently it appears like Movable Type is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?