From the U.S.'s un-environmentally-friendly regulation rollbacks to the Global Climate Strike that kicks off tomorrow, it's clear that now is the time for humans to act as die-hard advocates for Mother Earth (and all of the beings that inhabit her) in any way that we can. And while the three R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle) and moving towards a low-waste lifestyle is just part of the equation, we can also look at our wardrobes as another way to take action. Enter Vegan Fashion Week, which takes over Downtown's Fashion District next month for its second installment.
It all kicks off Thursday, October 10 at the Ace Hotel's Theatre with a starry awards soirée and fundraiser that will feature a live performance by Kate Nash and honor superstar stylist Tara Swennen (whose clients include Kristen Stewart), Miley Cyrus, and Natalie Portman.
Then on Monday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 15, the cruelty-free event will take over the California Market Center for Vegan World, the first large-scale vegan fashion trade show on the planet. (Yes, you read that right.) The two-day "festival-like" experience will feature runway shows, a clothing swap, a designer showroom featuring vegan brands, a lounge filled with vegan food and drinks, a slew of interactive and informative activations.
VFW will also host the second-ever Future of Fashion conference, a gathering of designers, policymakers, scientists, and editors to discuss the industry's most critical issues and how to solve them. The lineup will also include inspiring conversations, networking opportunities, and workshops, all geared towards connecting like-minded collaborators.
The ethical and eco-minded festivities will address everything from sustainability to transparency in the fashion industry, from unpacking the pros and cons of plastic- and acrylic-based faux fur to showcasing plant-based alternatives to silk, wool, and leather and more.
"The relationship between fashion, factory farming, and climate change cannot be ignored. Vegan sustainable fashion is the ultimate answer to climate change and waste pollution," says Vegan Fashion Week funder and animal rights activist Emmanuelle Rienda in a release. "I created an inclusive and collaborative movement dedicated to redesigning the industry and the consumers' daily habits."
As far as tickets, awards ceremony seats are $37 to $65, while Vegan World general admission is $40 and VIP access (which includes preferred seating, a swag bag, and more perks) is $120. Get more details on all of the happenings here, and buy your tickets online here.
