Interview with Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs

There is a hot new vegan boutique online that all style savvy women must check out. Green Lashes interviewed Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs, former editor of BBC2 fashion show, ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ to learn more about her amazing product range and why vegan accessories are proving so popular amongst stars such as Leona Lewis and Natalie Portman.

How did your background lead you to create one of the UK’s first online vegan accessories boutiques (that is actually super stylish)?
I’ve been vegetarian all my life, and have always found it hard to source quality shoes and bags that aren’t made of leather. There was never a convenient one-stop shop, I always had to contact individual designers and get my high-heels from one place, my handbags from another, and my pumps from somewhere else. It was driving me crazy! Then I realised other women must be feeling just as frustrated – so armed with savings from my former life as a television editor, I created a vegan boutique that brings together cutting-edge designers from around the world for the first time. My aim is to make it easier for fashionistas to make the short-step to a leather-free wardrobe. And I haven’t looked back since!

Neon Collective stock beautiful shoes by the likes of Olsenhaus and Charmone, which rival any Louboutins or Jimmy Choos. However, what would you say to any non-vegetarians to convince them to cross over to the green side?
Our shoes and bags really do stand up to scrutiny from the fashion pack, not just in good looks, but in quality construction too. People are falling over themselves to shop more ethically – and leading the way are celebrity starlets Natalie Portman and Leona Lewis, who are both committed followers of vegan fashion (and big fans of Charmoné shoes which we stock). In the UK up to 35% of people now consider themselves as ‘meat – reducers’ so I would encourage anyone cutting down on animal products to choose a non-leather shoe.

Simply put, we’d all like to buy more ethically if we could. No-one sets out to buy a pair of heels with the explicit intent of also making animals suffer in the process. But that is exactly what happens by purchasing leather! The trouble is, the industry has been very clever in disassociating leather products from the pain and deplorable practices used in their manufacture, and before there hasn’t been much of an alternative. Brilliantly, new technology means high-quality microfibers can be constructed exactly like leather, making them breathable, lightweight, water-resistant and colorfast. With such a fantastic choice of ethical footwear now available at Neon Collective – you can stay en vogue after turning green!

There is growing public awareness surrounding the manufacturing processes behind many high street stores. Neon Collective only stock designers with ethical manufacturing practices, don’t you?
Yes, that’s right! Ethically sourcing our products is really important to us. To supply Neon Collective, designers must
fully meet our philosophy of responsible luxury: no animal-derived materials, no sweat-shop production and only the very highest in quality and design. Many brands have gone one step further by utilising techniques such as recycling and carbon offsetting. If you chose not to wear leather then you need to ask what materials are used to make the shoes? The fashion industry has long been structured for us to consume, throw-away, consume again - and not even consider what fabrics are used or who made them. However, people are starting to grasp the idea that our purchases have consequences, which gives me hope.

So that’s the hard hitting journalism out of the way, now let’s talk shoes and bags! I’m loving the Crusier bag from English Retreads. Can you tell us what else will be big this Spring?
I love the vintage rubber Crusier bag too - English Retreads have turned recycling into a bold fashion statement, making old lorry tires into gorgeous handbags! Top of my splurge list this season is the Sotero bag from vegan label Matt & Nat. With colour a big fashion story this summer, this hot magenta arm candy is totally on-trend and will see you through a day at the office to a night on the tiles. If you’ve got a special day looming this year, then get in the queue for the Saphire from the new Sui Generis collection (pictured). These super sexy skyscraper heels are rammed with eco features to make you weak at the knees. Made from organic hemp with patent trim and stunning jeweled detail, this luxurious court shoe is skillfully crafted by hand in the UK. They are utterly gorgeous and perfect for weddings.

For any woman starting to build her ethical wardrobe, what are the key items she should invest in?
I’d start off with the basics first – you can’t go wrong with a simple pair of black court shoes teamed with a glossy clutch. Check out the Mariposa in black patent faux leather with the Kala clutch from Matt & Nat. Simple, stylish and trans-seasonal.

Before we let you go, could you share a few of your vegetarian and eco discoveries with us?
I love bright nails and I’ve just discovered Nubar eco nail polish. It’s free from chemical nasties, is animal friendly, and will look stunning with the Matt & Nat hot summer collection of vegan handbags.

I’m a big fan of inhabitat.com and always look forward to their weekly newsletter full of sustainable technology and design - I’m saving up for the fiber optic wallpaper!

Favourite ethical fashion label or designer?
For me Stella McCartney is the queen of ethical fashion. She’s a real trailblazer and inspiration, designing stunning eco-collections year on year. I love her tailored trenches, ultra floaty florals and her passion for animal welfare. But her designs are expensive - a more affordable alternative is Edun or People Tree.

Favourite vegetarian or vegan restaurant?
Luckily for me I live in Brighton where I’m spoilt for fine veggie eateries: I love the veggie breakfast at Sanctuary Café on Brunswick Street, and for a special occasion Terre à Terre on East Street is the place to go. However, the best vegetarian restaurant in the world is Food for Friends in the Brighton Lanes. Simply delicious.

Best green tip for Green Lashes and Fashion readers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The industry will never change unless we collectively make a stand. Resist the temptation to buy something simply because it’s cheap, as there’s a high chance someone in a developing nation will have been paid a pittance for their hard work. Ask the shop if they can guarantee their products are sweatshop free? If they don’t know – they don’t deserve your custom. If enough people make a stand they’ll be forced to change. And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to keep totally up-to-date with what’s hot at Neon Collective.

Green Lashes and Fashion readers will receive a 10% discount when using the code, GLF10 at the Neon Collective checkout (valid from 22nd January).