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The US has long been a trendsetter in culture, the benchmark for what is cool and different and in vegan fashion, this remains true. It’s clear Thailand is up there too: the quiet pioneer, risen to prominence not by an excess of flouting but of integrity. Importantly the labour landscapes of each country vary considerably, so it will be interesting to explore what each brands priorities’ are, their achievements in ethics and sustainability. As well as the beauty of course. From the demonstrable to the ad-hoc here are some top Thai and US vegan brands that create quality fashion in their own unique way.
Borboleta
PETA-approved bag manufacturers, this Thai company uses Japanese microfiber leather. All bags are waterproof and easy to clean. They pride themselves on great employee provision as they should: health insurance, paid holidays and investment opportunities all in a developing country are admirable. They are kindly patriotic too, donating to the Ocean of Wisdom Foundation to help provide breakfast and education programs to students of Northern Thailand. They offer many different vegan handbags such as กระเป๋าสะพายข้าง which means shoulder bag in Thai.
KENT
A US vegan underwear brand, this designer of perfunctory comfortable undergarments for women is the world’s first verified provider of compostable underwear which at end-of-life, returns to nature in only 90 days. The cotton used is organic and synthetic-free. The garments are quietly revolutionary in their simplicity.
Rubber Killer
Exemplifies one of many eco-conscious Thai vegan fashion brands, and like Borboleta they give back, part of their profits going to underprivileged children in rural areas. They recycle inner tubes from the tires of all manner of vehicles, and their wallets carry tyre patterns unique to each. They have lines in a variety of accessories and as well as being joyfully and carefully upcycled the products are durable.
Ceibo
This Texan company realises the ultimate in transparency, as all the pieces are designed and handcrafted by one Ecuadorian woman, at her home in Houston. The website even informs that one handbag takes three and half hours from manufacture to assembly. The bags, wallets, collars and shoes are elegant and many of the pieces have an understated humour. The materials used are sustainable and cruelty-free and currently the brand are exploring Pinatex for their latest component.
Maddy Hopper
This Thai brand makes trainers from recycled natural latex from bed production and recycled plastic bottles, as well as bamboo fiber socks. Their colour range is named after vegetables and fruits like sweetcorn and blueberry, or elements of nature like sand and ocean, which is they say to raise awareness and help the environment. Recent promotions include cash back to the Shadow Mirror Foundation for every pair of shoes purchased, an organisation donating to support people in need for isolation or affected by covid-19.
Angela Roi
This brand has a striking mantra that conjures a brave company that has had enough with the status quo, is feminist and forward-thinking. The beliefs that values and morals should be equal in importance to materials and style is like a call-to-arms. “For too long, fashion has demanded sacrifice” headlines the website. It has a modern classic aesthetic and uses loyalty cards and affiliate programmes to expand its customer base. Like other companies such as Ceibo above, it is branching into cactus-derived vegan leather. Its irreproachable marketing looks pointed towards the no-nonsense hard-working businesswoman.
Shaza by Shalini
This Thai company by contrast has not carefully contrived their veganism. The story goes they fell into it by default, sourcing their materials from a group of volunteer divers collecting fishing nets and plastic waste from the ocean. These materials are then transformed into nylon with certified eco-credentials. They make activewear for women and the philosophy behind the brand seems to be about wildness and freedom, being at one with the environment that purchasing these products actively preserves.
