Portman’s Shoe Line Fails

Natalie Portman’s high-end, vegan shoe line, Te Casan, has gone belly up due to the dismal economy. At $250 a pair, Portman started the collection in February 2007 with hopes of creating a stylish and sustainable alternative to the animal-free plastic and canvas shoes so widely available. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, the demise of small boutiques like Te Casan is happening across the US—about 6,100 store closings are expected in 2008, up from 4,603 in 2007.