The very essence of veganism is to bring minute changes in your lifestyle that can eventually reflect in the global awareness regarding animal cruelty. The wave of change started with the shift of food preferences by the masses to give up on animal-based food products, and has successfully progressed to laying the foundation of the vegan apparel industry. It started as a personal lifestyle choice for a few but it has completely taken over the world and is becoming popular in almost all walks of life. Recently, the fashion industry was taken aback by the introduction of vegan clothing. Even the mockery by the media that proposes this shift to veganism as a superficial fad has not been able to stop its growing popularity among the masses.
However, the concept of vegan fashion propagates the fact that the clothing and accessories must be acquired from cruelty-free sources, so that no animals are harmed either in making the clothes or the testing of their quality. In the earlier stages of its introduction to the world, it was targeted towards a niche audience, but eventually it caught up and now many countries considered the fashion industry of the world are giving immense importance to nurture the vegan apparel industry. Statistically, a 5% increase in vegan apparel and products, in general, has been observed in the UK to meet the growing demand of consumers. The following is a list of pointers to explain the primary reasons behind this sudden drift in the apparel industry to veganism. Without further ado, read on to plunge into the details.
- Increasing awareness of consumers
Modern consumers are not a bunch of people who are easily influenced by marketing schemesm but rather act on information and their conscience. Even though it is through globalization and access to information that consumers have been able to familiarize themselves with the horrors that are brought upon animals so they can look their absolute best, the real face of change are the consumers who refuse to let animals go through brutal experiences.
- Technological advancements and innovations
Irrespective of the industry, advancements and innovations in the technological field have made it possible for the vegan apparel industry to flourish and thrive. Many companies are striving to bring non-recyclable materials to use as an alternative. This has been made possible only because of the efforts and contribution of the latest technology. Lab-made leather, spider silk, hemp-based fur coats and handbags from banana peel are some of the innovative alternatives to deal with animal cruelty.
- Progressive changes in policies
There is no denying the fact that not only the masses but also the authorities understand the importance of regulating the actions of large scale companies that resort to animal cruelty for their selfish purposes, and monetary gains. It is a small change but it will pave the way for a world free from animal cruelty.
- Ban on plastics
In recent times, many e-commerce companies have added it to their company policies to ban products with plastics as a key component. This has led manufacturers to have brain-storming sessions in order to come up with an alternative key component that does not pose a threat to animals.
- Take of global fashion icons on veganism
Globalization has also proved to be a great contributing factor in determining the fate of the vegan apparel industry. The fashion industry has always been strongly influenced by the actions and style statements of global fashion icons. While some are still stuck in their fur jackets, some have strongly emphasized the importance of turning vegan. This has provided a considerable boost to the popularity of veganism.