When it comes to the terms “eco-friendly” and “vegan” footwear, what probably comes to mind is earthy silhouettes that are made of canvas, hemp, or some other similar material, such as cotton. However, the luxury brand AERA is setting out to redefine what eco-friendly and vegan footwear looks like. Rather than footwear that resembles beach spirit, AERA is offering classy Italian-made stilettos and flats that are suitable for even the fanciest of occasions. The New York-based brand is the brainchild of Tina Bhojwani and Jean-Michel Cazabat, who are both long-time fashion experts and big players in the industry. While the brand was officially introduced in May, celebrities were so eager that they snagged a few pairs of shoes before the brand was even in stores. In fact, in January, both Saoirse Ronan and Malin Akerman were spotted wearing the shoes, after the brand introduced a few pairs to stylists in LA. Shortly after, a handful of other celebrities have been seen wearing AERA as well. Co-founder Bhojwani says, “We sent Emma Roberts a pair of shoes, and she’s worn them several times. Dylan McDermott has come to our showroom to order shoes for himself, too. Maxwell has worn the shoes several times, and actually came to our press day!” Rather than just being a vegan and sustainable brand, AERA proudly deems itself as a “110% sustainable” brand. This means that instead of simply neutralizing its impact on the environment, AERA goes the extra mile and invests an additional 10% into water restoration, plastic recycling, reforestation, and other environmental causes. Bhojwani says, “People buy things because they like the aesthetic, but at the same time, I think the mission is becoming more and more important. For many people, it’s a bonus that the shoes have a positive impact on the planet.” Indeed, it is exciting to see that conscious vegan fashion has found its rightful place in the realm of the elites.
