Goodbye CRUEL SHOES - non-leather shoes - Brief Article

Vegetarian Times, Sept, 1999 by Danny Seo

Get a leg up on fall fashion with stylish non-leather footwear

Forget diamonds. Everyone knows a woman's best friends are her shoes. And yet until very recently, attempts to extend your cruelty-free eating philosophy to what you wear left you flat-footed. The few nonleather options were largely unattractive, uncomfortable and poorly constructed. Today, however, it's a different story. The leather-free fashion business is booming. With celebs like Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman, Edward Furlong and Pamela Anderson Lee seeking out these fashion alternatives, purveyors from Calvin Klein and Donna Karan to Nike and Target are heeding the call. Here is just a sampling of the season's offerings.

1 While there's no mistaking it for Neiman-Marcus, Target is where style and value meet. Its private-label "Utility" work boot in polyvinyl chloride (or PVC; $19.99) has a nonmarking outsole, brass eyelet grommets for extra strength and a synthetic nubuck cuff. For a store near you, call (800) 440-0680 or visit www.target.com.

2 Vegetarian Shoes' dedication to quality alternative footwear is borne out in its "Casino" boot ($79.95). The synthetic-leather upper is made from Vegetan, which requires no harmful chemicals to manufacture and is 80 percent biodegradable. Order from Pangea Vegan Products at (301) 552-3181 or visit www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk.

3 This hiking boot is more than just a durable shoe; it's a way to help the rain forest. Portland, Oregon's Deep E. Co. makes this unisex "Amazonia" hiker ($95) from durable hemp canvas and TreeTap, a non-polluting latex rubber sustainably harvested by indigenous tribes in the rain forest. Even the sole is made from recycled rubber. Call (888) 233-3373 or visit www.deepeco.com to order.

4 Payless Shoe Source has always has a number of nonleather options. This fall, its Original Rugged Outback collection offers a hand-stitched, three-eye brown moccasin with skid-free rubber sole ($19.99). For more info, call (800) 444-7453 or visit www.payless.com.

ACCESSORIES

1 This fall, Kate Spade introduces Jack Spade, a line of briefcases and luggage made from nylon and canvas that resemble her popular handbags. This laptop carrying case ($232) is made of strong canvas material (in olive green, natural, navy and black) and features waterproof lining, double-stitched handles and a tangle-free strap. To order, call (212) 274-1991.

2 One of men's biggest gripes is the lack of good non-leather belts. Solution: this canvas belt ($24.50) from The Gap, which comes in a variety of colors and styles. As the nickel-coated brass buckle ages, it takes on a rich patina. For more info, call (800) GAP-STYLE.

3 Nine West's military-inspired handbag ($55) of durable nylon will stand the test of time. Its six outer pockets keep credit cards, sunglasses and small items secure; the attached compass is both decorative and functional. For more info, call (800) 260-2227.

4 In her New York City boutique, Utility Canvas, artist Jillian Grano specializes in denim's tough cousin, canvas. Her product line includes shower curtains, aprons and this waterproof-bottomed market bag ($56). Available in natural and olive green. For more info, call Utility Canvas at (212) 673-2203.

1,2,5 From Kenneth Cole's valued-oriented Unlisted line come three great shoes: "Sweetpea," an updated version of the classic pump in floral-embroidered black velvet ($42); "High Society," an open-toe evening sandal in PVC ($40); and "Sweetheart," a synthetic microfiber pump ($42). To order, call (800) 487-4389.

3 The closed-toe, open-back "Victory" shoe from Chinese Laundry ($40) comes in black, green, ink and purple synthetic shantung silk. For info, call (310) 838-2103 or visit www.chineselaundry.com.

4 Designer David Aaron modernizes the classic Mary Jane in brushed crepe, with a very mod molded rubber sole ($69). Available at David Aaron stores nationwide or call (800) 747-6233 for a shop near you.

6 The combination of millennium blue and fluorescent orange on Calvin Klein's "Utina" dyed flannel mule ($98) makes a colorful fashion statement. A metal clip keeps the shoe snug. From CK Shoes, an affordable version of Klein's pricier line. For a store near you: (800)252-4190.

7 This breathable, waterproof boot isn't just for the scuba set. The "Maze" ankle boot from 9 & Co. ($59) has a skid-resistant outer sole (great for winter) and a high-tech nylon upper that's more durable and water-resistant than traditional nylon. Available at 9 & Co. stores nationwide or call (877) 995-3100 or visit www.ninewest.com.

8 Esprit's "sugar flat" ballet ($32) is made with shiny satin--a dainty alternative to suede. With a flexible 1/2-inch self-colored rubber sole, this stylish asymmetrical flat is suitable for everyday wear. Available in silver, green tea and navy. To order, call (800) 556-9477 or visit www.esprit.com.

9 DKNY's Italian-made "Jungle Comfort" boot in water-resistant nylon ($165) will protect you from the elements. A black rubber strap provides additional support and a side zipper reveals a fluorescent orange canvas-lined interior. Available at DKNY stores or call (800) 231-0884.