TEXT : Jacqueline Carlisle fashion editor
brands such as Jaguar and Mercedes Benz. We are the first footwear label to utilise this material, which we hope, one day will replace the real thing. Our other materials are all sourced from the EU & the components are all sourced as close to the factory in Spain as possible.
Do you think the vegan shoe industry will continue to grow? Thankfully times are changing and with the influence of designer labels such as Stella McCartney brandishing their high quality Italian PU’s and proudly stamping ‘suitable for vegetarians’ on their soles, attitudes are changing. This alongside the growing awareness of the impact of the meat and dairy industry on our planet means people are becoming more open to alternatives. Media and celebrity endorsement of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles has been pivotal to this shift and the more acceptable a no meat diet and a non leather wardrobe becomes the more fashion brands will step up to meet the demand. Beyond Skin continues to pursue its goal of becoming a worldwide brand demonstrating
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that fashion and ethics can tsuccessfully go hand in hand but design and quality is paramount for our long-term success. We hope to continue to contribute breaking down the leather equals quality myth and will continue to forge ahead as a high end, fashion footwear brand with our vegan credentials as an added bonus! More and more larger retailers are providing non-leather options, or at least reduced their use of exotic skins & leathers. ASOS for example have added an independent filter option of leather/non leather to their site. Other large companies, such as International etailer Zalando have updated their policies and endeavour to avoid anything produced with real exotic skins due to its often dubious traceability. These are all huge steps forward and prove that times are changing.
What does luxury mean to you? Luxury means having the time to enjoy the relaxing coffee culture of Brighton, & being able to go on fun adventures. It’s being able to recklessly treat yourself & not feel too guilty afterwards!
