Avarcas USA Launches Its First Vegan Shoe Line

Accessories brand Avarcas USA debuted this month its first vegan line of Pons avarcas sandals—a popular style of footwear in the Spanish region of Menorca. Avarcas USA founders/ husband-and-wife team Noelia Pahissa and Jose Fuentes worked closely with Spanish artisans (who make the brand’s shoes by hand) to develop its proprietary vegan leather material to ensure it mimics the comfort and quality of animal leather. “The new collection reflects some of the changes we’re making at home such as introducing a plant-based diet and being more ecologically responsible,” Pahissa told VegNews. “In addition, we saw a demand for vegan avarcas in the US market.” The vegan Pons avarcas line is currently available in four colors: black, brown, gray, and taupe. Pahissa said the lauching of her shoes “is the beginning of something big” and plans to debut more products (including handbags) in the future. Last year, popular shoe brand T.U.K.’s Footwear also entered the cruelty-free fashion industry with the debut of seven of its classic creeper styles made with proprietary vegan material TUKSkin.