Materials like vegan suede and leather have been integral parts of the fashion industry for years, but they are now coming into the spotlight with help from brands like Aritzia. Rather than just simply offering alternative leather products, the brand specifically touts the cruelty-free materials with marketing that calls the textiles: "better than the real thing."
Some of the items included in the vegan leather and suede assortment from Aritzia includes skirts, trousers, dresses, blouses and shorts.
As consumers become more conscious about purchasing stylish clothing and accessories that are ethically made, mainstream fashion brands are stepping up to offer alternatives that have the potential to appeal to a wider group of shoppers. This movement is also being advanced with all-vegan clothing collection from high-end designers, as well as cruelty-free footwear adaptations.
Cruelty-Free Fashion Campaigns
Aritzia is Marketing Vegan Suede as "Better Than the Real Thing"
Trend Themes
1. Vegan Fashion - Opportunity for brands to market and promote alternative materials as more ethical and sustainable options.
2. Ethical Fashion - Growing demand for clothing and accessories that are ethically made, creating opportunities for mainstream fashion brands to offer alternatives.
3. Cruelty-free Footwear - Increasing popularity of cruelty-free footwear adaptations, creating a niche market for innovative shoe designs.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Mainstream fashion brands can cater to the growing demand for ethically made, vegan fashion products.
2. Textiles - Alternative materials like vegan leather and suede present an opportunity for the textile industry to innovate and produce more sustainable and cruelty-free fabrics.
3. Footwear - Cruelty-free footwear adaptations offer potential for disruption and innovation in the footwear industry, attracting conscious consumers.