Victoria’s Secret Model Helps Launch Vegan Shoe Line

Los Angeles-based designer shoe company Mara & Mine will debut its first ever vegan shoe collection on May 6. The line will feature four summer sandal styles—all of which are made with vegan leather (however, one is adorned with real shells)—that were developed with direct input from South African supermodel and Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel. “I wanted to create a summer collection that is flattering, simple and ethical,” Swanepoel told media outlet Footwear News, “to show people that vegan accessories can be just as beautiful and luxurious as leather accessories.” Mara & Mine’s co-founder Jasmine Yarbrough revealed that while working with vegan materials was novel for the shoe company, the cruelty-free collection was not difficult to develop, as the brand collaborated with a manufacturer that was able to easily source quality, animal-free materials. “We were very impressed by the quality and how real they looked,” Yarbough said. Mara & Mine’s collection will join a growing number of shoe brands—including Vagabond, Reebok, and Etnies—that have developed footwear without relying on animal products.