World’s First Vegan Shoe Line Made from Apples Debuts

New York City-based vegan fashion brand VEERAH this month launched the world’s first shoe line made with apple peels. The VEERAH Appeal collection—three styles that feature clip-on interchangeable accessories such as fringe, bows, and ankle straps—are made from upcycled apple peels, making the shoes more flexible and breathable than traditional leather. “As we are based in NYC, the Big Apple,” VEERAH founder Stacey Chang told VegNews, “I love that in addition to being sustainable, the materials also represent the spirit of New York, where anything is possible.” Herself a vegetarian for 12 years, Chang created the collection to inspire those looking for fashionable footwear to make cruelty-free choices. “I wanted to create a collection that was aligned with my core values,” Chang said, “that embody showing compassion for others in order to make the world a peaceful and sustainable place.” The styles can currently be ordered online, at the company’s Greenwich Village studio (by appointment only), and at luxury concept shop Dreams on Air in Soho. VEERAH’s other collections include shoes made with recycled PET bottles and accessories made with cork.