Emily Konkler
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Be lovely inside then out is Vaute Couture’s motto. With a coat as lovely as the Bomono Coat (doesn’t it make your mouth water?) it makes you wonder just how lovely Vaute Couture’s designer and founder, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart’s, innards are. I’ll tell you, they are drop dead gorgeous…
Leanne’s first activist fashion statement was when she was ten years old by wearing a puffy paint tee (Leanne was fashion forward from a young age) shirt to school that said “Spay & Neuter, Save the Dogs.” The consistent teasing stopped her from wearing the shirt again but did not change her beliefs.
ME- Why is it you had such a passion for animal rights at a young age?
LEANNE- I’m not sure why exactly, other than a strong feeling of right and wrong, and a need in my gut to stand up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. I think everyone feels that- mine just won’t shut it- to the degree of jr. high embarrassment! I realized early on what the meat and fur industries were and knew I couldn’t be a part of that. When I was 8 I went door to door with my friends selling crafts we made, to raise money for the local humane society. and when I was 17 I lobbied my high school for alternatives to dissection, that year we made a bill into law requiring it. It doesn’t take a lot of time to help raise awareness and change structures, and it’s so worth it.
Vaute Couture, like haute couture (high fashion) except with a V for Vegan, is committed to discovering, supporting and encouraging more ethical methods and materials that consider the animals, earth and humankind. Using only alternatives to animal derived fabric and eco-conscious materials as well as manufacturing in Chicago while providing a living wage is merely Vaute Couture’s foundation. Continually collaborating with emerging artists and being committed to supporting non-profit organizations is where Leanne and her incredible company begin to leap hurdles over other eco-friendly companies.
Sadly, about six months of my year consists of a miserably cold winter. Thankfully, this year, for six months my second skin can be a winter coat that is the most fashion forward eye-gratifying coat I have ever seen while being vegan! Animal agriculture is the single most contributor to global warming, therefore, the number one way to decrease greenhouse gas emissions is choosing vegan.
ME- The Bomono- was it inspired by your time modeling in Asia (kimono.)
LEANNE- Right on! I designed it from my love of Asian style and elegant lines, that I enjoyed daily, people watching, while living and modeling in Asia. The whole proportion was flipped upside down there, the most oversized- full part covers top halves- often asymmetrical- paired with super skinny tights/leggings/ or gorgeous toned legs. I loved the idea of something super comfortable being super chic too. Effortlessness, that’s what I was going for.
It’s not too late to pre-order your very own Vaute Couture coat! The Bomono is only one of four beautiful styles to choose from! For the opening season only 25 coats are produced per style/color. Each coat comes with a frame worthy art illustration of your coat and which number it is in the season’s run, letting you know how special you and your coat are.
Because Leanne is so fantastic she has given all my readers a special discount! When you pre-order your coat before September 4th, enter FeelGoodStyle at check out and receive 35% off!! This winter, choose vegan. Choose Vaute Couture.
Images Credit: Vaute Couture
