“Vaute Couture proves that compassionate style can be cute, chic, and sexy.” – OPRAH.com

Vaute Couture (spelled for “haute couture” but with a V for vegan, pronounced like “vote”) is a self-proclaimed “(tiny) renegade fashion house” with a mission to “create fabulous vegan coats.  Gorgeous alternatives to animal derived fabrics is our raison d’etre, other loves include ma nature, our windy city, and emerging artists”.

Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart (who was recently named one of the “20 Under 30″ by VegNews magazine) started Vaute Couture during a summer break from modeling in Hong Kong. Residing in Chicago, she was tired of the woes of winter 6 months a year…being cold and “unfabulous” prompted her to begin this amazing line of coats.  Her limited launch in Fall 2009 opened to international orders and celebrities, such as Alicia Silverstone, Emily Deschanel, Ginnifer Goodwin and Ally Sheedy.

I really love Vaute Couture’s website because it educates people on the reasons to choose vegan materials over traditional: “vegan is the #1 way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the animal agriculture industry is the single most contributor to global warming.” Vegan is also non-violent and expresses caring for all beings. For more info onVegan Fashion, click here. You just might re-think that wool skirt!

I absolutely love the funky red jacket pictured below ($425)! To receive 25% off, enter the code “LOVEYOU2″!

Okay, so the coats aren’t in the price range for everyone, but Leanne take the time to explain why here on her website. It’s an inspiring story that basically comes down to: cheap clothes = cheap labor. When workers are paid more than a “fair” wage (a living wage) and production is local (higher cost of living) that makes the clothes more expensive, too.  That’s just the tip of it, though…to read more click here.

Her pieces are timeless investments.  I’d much rather spend my hard-working money on a coat made from quality fabrics, ones that doesn’t harm animals, and have the good feeling of knowing I’m not taking part in the heinous crime of slave labor.

This fabulous (limited edition) jacket is currently on sale for $281 (regularly $562)…as seen in TeenVogue.com.

Check out Vaute Couture’s array of coats, tees, and art here.

Happy Shopping!