UGG x COLLINA STRADA COLLAB PRESENTS VEGAN COLLECTION

By: Prachi Khatri

The footwear industry is predominantly known for its reliance on leather and animal-derived products, but it is a well-known fact that the future is ethical fashion. As consumers become more aware of environmental concerns, animal-free vegan products have gained popularity both in the fashion and beauty industries. However, vegan footwear remains an untapped industry with heavy reliance on animal skins, leather, fur, etc.

Vegan fashion has gained popularity in recent years due to consumer consciousness and the moral ramifications of the traditional ways to source leather and fur materials. The famous American brand UGGs, known for its premium-quality sheepskin boots, has launched its first ever vegan pair of boots in collaboration with another sustainable New York-based label, Collina Strada.

Credit: Uggs official website

Vegan products are taking over the fashion world with sustainable plant-based materials, which help reduce the carbon footprint and environmental degradation. So why the sudden concern for animals right in today’s consumer?

Statistics show that 14.5% of the greenhouse gas emissions come from animal agriculture (source: Food and Agriculture Organization, UN).

UGG x Collina Strada collaboration is a step forward to embrace the animal-free world of fashion. As vegan products are growing in demand, a cruelty-free closet is what the customers need. Data from various polls and research suggests 50% of the consumers consider buying products that are guilt-free and ready to pay a higher cost for such purchases.

As UGGs adapts to consumer needs, its partnership with Collina Strada is a testament to its focus on innovation, creativity and commitment to eradicate animal-based products. UGGs had to put a stop to using wool sourced from sheep brutally killed for stripping their wool and skin. Thanks to 30,000 emails from PETA and various supporters requesting to adopt vegan-friendly material.

The UGGs x Collina Strada product line features classic platform boots, its signature platform UGGs, ruffle boots, and long mesh socks in various bold colors and vibrant patterns. All products range from $50 for mesh socks to $220 for a raffle booth. As the website suggests, each piece of footwear is soft and loud, bright and bold, and a statement piece. 

All product in the vegan line is made from recycled polyester microfiber, sugarcane, and TENCEL. As materials like pineapple leather, apple fiber, and mushroom leather become popular, the days of flimsy footwear are over. It is time for plant-based alternatives to take over the world. The success of UGGs partnership with Collina Strada could pave the way for innovators and inspire other brands to choose vegan not just in food but also as a choice of fashion.

Credit: Uggs official website

In addition to being a fashion statement, vegan footwear is significant from an ethical standpoint. Globally, the manufacturer of leather alone accounts for up to 26% of major slaughterhouses’ earnings.

"Tanning 1 kg of leather uses up to 2.5 kg of chemical substances and up to 250 liters of water and generates up to 6.1 kg of solid waste," as per reports supported by the European Commission.

Brands such as UGGs, which have historically relied on material sourced from animals, are adjusting to the growing need of environment concerns and its consumers.

As the demand for cruelty-free products is increasing, the launch of vegan UGG boots is a step forward for fashion industry and creatives shifting to sustainable and ethical fashion. The collaboration between UGGs and Collina Strada has brought vegan footwear one step closer to the public, proving style and comfort can coexist ethically. The ultimate UGG of choice is here to stay for all fashionistas out there!  So put the planet first and let the door to luxury open with a touch of compassion.