India’s fashion scene is increasingly embracing ethical and sustainable practices, and the India Fashion Awards are at the forefront of recognizing this shift. PETA India’s 2023 Vegan Fashion Awards highlighted the remarkable progress made by Indian brands and designers in creating animal-free fashion. These awards not only celebrate compassionate innovation but also underscore the growing accessibility and desirability of vegan alternatives in the industry.
One of the most exciting wins was the Best Vegan Fashion Moment, awarded to the Central Leather Research Institute for their groundbreaking technology in developing vegan leather from mango pulp. This innovation showcases India’s scientific prowess in creating sustainable alternatives to traditional leather, utilizing readily available resources like fruit waste.
The awards also celebrated individual style and advocacy, with Bollywood star Wamiqa Gabbi receiving the title of Best Vegan Style Icon. Her commitment to animal advocacy and leather-free fashion sets a powerful example for conscious consumerism and demonstrates that ethical choices can be glamorous and mainstream.
For footwear, Gorilla Lifestyle took home the Best Vegan Sneakers award. This vegan streetwear brand is capturing the attention of young consumers, proving that stylish and cruelty-free sneakers are not only possible but also highly sought after in the India Fashion Awards landscape.
Aretto impressed the judges with their Best Vegan Kids’ Shoes. Their innovative adjustable shoes, backed by cricketer Hardik Pandya, offer a practical and vegan solution for children’s rapidly growing feet, blending sustainability with functionality and winning accolades at the India Fashion Awards.
Swachhata Pukare Foundation was recognized for Best Vegan Sarees. Their handloom sarees, crafted from water hyacinth fibers, showcase the beauty of sustainable textiles and traditional Indian garments, earning them a well-deserved spot among the India Fashion Awards winners.
In personal care, 82°E, founded by actress Deepika Padukone, won Best Vegan Personal Care. This cruelty-free brand highlights the growing demand for ethical beauty products within the Indian market and resonates with the values celebrated by the India Fashion Awards.
Miraggio’s fashionable and animal-free bags earned them the Best Vegan Bags award. Their Valentine-themed collection, launched with Shanaya Kapoor, demonstrates the brand’s commitment to style and compassion, principles highly valued at the India Fashion Awards.
Miraggio's Award-Winning Vegan Bags: Showcasing innovative designs recognized at the India Fashion Awards for excellence in vegan fashion.
The CAI Store was honored with Best Vegan Women’s Shoes for their affordable, comfortable, and stylish vegan footwear. Their designs make vegan fashion accessible to a wider audience, a key aspect of the India Fashion Awards mission to promote inclusivity and ethical choices.
Lusso Lifestyle received the Best Vegan Men’s Shoes award. This luxury brand utilizes high-quality vegan microfibers to create sophisticated men’s footwear, proving that vegan materials can meet the demands of high-end fashion, a fact acknowledged by the India Fashion Awards.
The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology was awarded Best Innovation in Textiles for their vegan leather made from agricultural byproducts. Their work exemplifies the ingenuity and resourcefulness driving the vegan fashion movement in India, and is celebrated by initiatives like the India Fashion Awards.
Anita Dongre’s new line of accessories made from MIRUM® plastic-free plant-based leather alternative earned her the Best Vegan Accessories award. This collaboration showcases the growing adoption of innovative vegan materials by established designers within the India Fashion Awards community.
Finally, Banofi, a producer of vegan leather from banana crop waste, was named Best Vegan Leather. Their upcycling approach to creating vegan leather highlights the potential of circular economy principles within the fashion industry, and their Hult Prize win further solidifies their impact, aligning with the values championed by the India Fashion Awards.
These India Fashion Awards winners demonstrate a clear trend: vegan fashion is not just a niche market but a dynamic and innovative force within the Indian fashion industry. From cutting-edge materials to stylish designs, these brands and individuals are paving the way for a more compassionate and sustainable future of fashion, recognized and celebrated by initiatives like the India Fashion Awards.
