Willa Phoenix, the renowned brand known for its pineapple leather shoes, recently made history by becoming the first of its kind to grace the red carpet at the prestigious Oscars 2023. This groundbreaking moment not only solidified the brand’s position in the industry but also shed light on the world of vegan footwear. A number of prominent celebrities, including actress Megalyn Echikunwoke and celebrity stylist Tara Swennen, showcased Willa Phoenix’s shoes, elevating the brand’s status and making a statement about the growing popularity of ethical luxury.
Willa Phoenix’s remarkable achievement at the Oscars was made possible through a strategic partnership with Vegan Fashion Week. This collaboration allowed the brand to connect with industry professionals, media outlets, and celebrities who share a common interest in ethical fashion. Through their collective efforts, they successfully pushed the boundaries and brought vegan footwear to the forefront of mainstream fashion.
This significant milestone sends a powerful message about the potential shift towards a more conscious and sustainable footwear market. Traditionally, the luxury footwear industry has been dominated by big players, but with the increasing awareness of sustainable fashion and the availability of new resources, consumers are now seeking alternatives that align with their values. Abby Barroll Brown, the founder of Willa Phoenix, believes that this newfound recognition will prompt celebrities to be more mindful of their fashion choices, not only in their everyday outfits but also on the red carpet.
Among the highlights of Willa Phoenix’s ‘Wanderlust’ capsule collection is the Hollywood stiletto shoe, which is crafted from gold pineapple leather. These exquisite shoes are meticulously handmade by skilled artisans in a small factory in Italy, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship. The production process is closely monitored to guarantee the quality that Willa Phoenix prides itself on. It takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks to create a single shoe, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to delivering excellence.
The golden pineapple leather, also known as Piñatex, used in the Hollywood stiletto represents an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional animal leather. The material not only reflects the brand’s dedication to crafting high-quality, durable shoes but also highlights their goal of offering accessible luxury to conscious consumers. This commitment to affordability sets Willa Phoenix apart from other luxury brands in the industry.
The idea for Willa Phoenix was born out of Barroll Brown’s personal struggle to find shoes that aligned with her sustainable and ethical fashion values. Despite having no prior experience in the fashion industry, she took matters into her own hands and designed her own collection during the Covid lockdown. As a small business with limited resources, Barroll Brown carefully curated a capsule collection that showcased her personal taste. The collection included four pairs of shoes, each with a matching clutch, in black, nude, animal print, and an evening design. The positive reception towards the brand has fueled its growth and success, further supported by the emergence of new materials in the market.
Invited to showcase her collection at Vegan Fashion Week in Los Angeles in 2022, which was founded by Emmanuelle Rienda, Barroll Brown aims to demonstrate to consumers that ethical fashion can be both luxurious and of superior quality, comparable to products made from real animal skins. The success of Willa Phoenix at the Oscars serves as solid proof that there is a growing demand for sustainable and ethical alternatives in the fashion industry. The brand’s groundbreaking use of pineapple leather serves as an example of the innovative possibilities and the potential for a more conscious and compassionate approach to fashion.
Useful Links:
1. Willa Phoenix Official Website
2. Vegan Fashion Week Official Website
