Italian fashion brand Altiir has launched cruelty-free gold and silver biker jackets made from vegan pineapple leather.
The neo-classic collection was inspired by vintage, tailored biker jackets, Altiir explains on its website. The clothing is made from a pineapple-derived material, called Piñatex, which was developed over the course of ten years by Dr. Carmen Hijosa.
In contrast to traditional leather – known for its detrimental impact on the planet and cruelty toward animals – the pineapple leather “positively impacts the environment,” reduces waste, and encourages social, cultural, and ecological development, Altiir says.
“The world is at a tipping point,” Altiir writes, adding that it has a responsibility to restructure the fashion industry to alleviate pressure from the “radically deteriorating planet.”
“It’s become a matter of necessity as much as desire,” said Altiir Creative Director Timothy Turner-Sutton. “We have to create sustainable products in ethical and cruelty-free ways if we are to continue to enjoy, and be proud of the pieces we invest in.”
Altiir creates luxury fashion garments, made from start-to-finish in Italy, for the modern conscious consumer. “This remarkable alternative to leather is created by the clever people at Piñatex. Not only incredibly functional but also objectively beautiful,” Turner-Sutton explained. The leaf fibers are strong and make for a unique texture that shapes around the body over time and ages gracefully.
Turner-Sutton, along with the company’s co-creator Lincoln Godwin, is influenced by the late 60s rock ‘n’ roll counterculture of revolution-inspiring artists like Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix.
“When you slide into one of the metallic finishes, you really do feel like a Rolling Stone: everybody wants to touch you!” Turner-Sutton commented.
Altiir isn’t alone in its quest for sustainable, vegan leather fashion. Piñatex has also been used by luxury fashion label Hugo Boss to make its first-ever line of vegan men’s shoes. Vegan brand James & Co. also uses the material to make animal-free leather jackets.
“This is a year for change,” Altiir says online. “[F]or individual voices to be heard, in all industries and all aspects of life. Let’s come together.”
Image Credit: Altiir
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