Words and pictures by John Chinode
Vegan fashion may be trending with a few high street brands like Marks and Spencer now putting it on their shelves – but what do those who love fashion know about it?
Campaigners argue that awareness is half the battle. Mahdie Azzug, 27, a barber on Holloway Road, said: “I have very little knowledge about
vegan clothing because all I know is that it will help stop cruelty and butchering of animals.”
He believes the media have work to do in sending out the messages about cruelty.
“Some animals like zebras and crocodiles contribute to the economy as they attract tourists to visit game parks and zoos. The problem is there is very little knowledge being sent out in the media about the importance of wearing vegan clothing – I know very little about it.”
Some people say that the price of vegan clothing is a further barrier to embracing the idea.
Lorna Jones, 54, a store owner at Seven Sisters market who sells second-hand clothing said: “It’s not about awareness – I think it’s about wearing it if you like it and being able to afford it especially when you on a low income. Dr Martens have started to do vegan and their prices have always been expensive for the average person.”
The animal protests at the 2019 London Fashion Week are eye openers that sustainability and global awareness is what is required, according to fashion journalist Brenda Mulenga.
“There are many ways how we should look at this issue of vegan clothes being the answer to animal cruelty. Some animals may be used for food like cows. But don’t forget that the cows do get old and reach a stage where they no longer produce milk and once they die there is nothing wrong with making clothing out of them.
She said that awareness and sustainability can only get better if the big brands get involved.
“For example, Gucci has now started doing vegan but honestly, we are a long way before we get vegan to mainstream but the signs are looking promising with the awareness on various media platforms especially on social media.”
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