Fifteen years ago Elizabeth Olsen had an epiphany… she would be the creator of her own animal friendly fashion business. After years of animal rights activism and a vow towards veganism, her dream became a reality.
Now two years old olsen Haus is a burgeoning company that stands 100% behind Elizabeth’s vegan lifestyle with fans like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emily Deschanel, Lisa Edelstein and has just been styled on Cameron Diaz for Vogue in this June's issue. Lynn Furge had a chat with Elizabeth about her ambition, inspiration and how you don’t have to sacrifice your beliefs to be in fashion.
Lynn Furge: With such a strong background in branding and styling, how did you develop the overall mission of olsen Haus without just becoming another "green brand"?
Elizabeth Olsen: The mission is simple really, and I didn't do a lot of conjuring or strategizing to come up with it. I promote the truth, without hiding the gruesome facts, and I create styles I like, would wear and that have the trends in mind- but I am a designer so I create my own look & feel. There is a lot of Green washing going on, and the truth of the matter, is I am not hiding behind any "eco" trend. Being vegan IS the greenest thing you can do.
LF: Your time spent in Florida and even LA... do you feel taking a step outside of the city gives you perspective on natural resources?
EO: Yes it is a necessity, NYC is great, but so is the country and the beach- I like them all. I like the balance the juxtaposition and the grounding one gets from nature. It makes you humble and you feel oneness at the same time. A week ago, I moved to upstate New York, where there are chickens and a rooster running around the backyard. No-one eats them mind you…but it's fabulous to be designing spring 2010, watching them out the window!
LF: As far as materials, how do you choose what will make good construction, comfortable fit as well as an aesthetically pleasing Vegan shoe?
EO: I don't think about it too much I just do it. I go to the fabric store and pick out what I like, I check out what the manufacturers are doing for their line and go from there. There are so many materials, and textures other than leather, I am surprised there aren't more brands exploring it
LF: When it comes to fashion, what inspires you to create the next seasons collection?
EO: Thinking about what's next, what’s happening in music, art, architecture, what I am feeling, what I want to wear...
LF: Please explain to me the importance of starting a child out in Vegan footwear in terms of living socially responsible?
EO: Well starting a child out as a vegan, is teaching them respect for life, all living beings, all children are horrified when they see a being killed, or learn what is going on, so really they are natural vegans. As far as the shoes, it's better for their skin to not be exposed to all the chemicals that are in leather to prevent from decomposing.
LF: What is your advise to the designer that claims "they want to be green" but it is too hard to source materials or too expensive to mass produce?
EO: We all live on this planet and we are all responsible to take care of it. To make a few extra dollars and continue on this path, of destruction, it is a poor excuse, and irresponsible to not support organic, natural products, and to be honest they are not that much more expensive. The price will go down as more people switch over, so really it's a question of ethics and greed, and which side the company stands on.
LF: To elaborate on your statement that "we are all energy" how do you feel the wearers of your shoes can transmit energy just by donning a pair of olsenHaus?
EO: Well when you purchase olsenHaus you are making a statement that you need not sacrifice style for ethics, and you do not want to be part of global destruction. By not wearing leather you are clearer, and closer to your true self, and that is the best energy of all to emit.
All Photographs by Vegan Photographer Pfluger
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