Humanitaire: Fashionably Friendly Vegan Clothing for Everyone by Janie Diaz

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CONSCIENTIOUS,
VEGAN AND
FASHIONABLE ITEMS
FOR ALL OF US
BY JANIE DIAZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY SMITH
Strict vegan lifestyles are typically accompanied by struggles to find clothing and accessories that are made
all access
from something besides leather, suede, silk or other materials that come from animal sources — and it’s a
challenge finding them.
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944 MAGAZINE / APRIL 2007

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Humanitaire is the answer for those seeking alternatives to leather, brands that use non-humane methods or
that take advantage of poverty-stricken regions of the world, exploiting the labor forces there and not giving
back to the community. This company, however, only supports and buys the products from companies whose
endeavors enrich and provide consumers with items that are not only earth- and animal-friendly, but that also
offer longevity, quality, durability and cutting-edge style.
“I wanted to bring what I know about textiles and fashion design to a forum that would offer alternatives in
clothing and footwear to those who are seeking them out,” says owner Lindsey Packer, who opened the doors
of Humanitaire on May 4, 2006.
From the lipstick on the store’s mirror that currently reads “Everything deserves to live, even a bee!” to the
Animal Acres literature, it is clear that the 820-square-foot haven is one place where all things are considered
equal and where a dream in the fashion industry of being David to Goliath’s love of all things leather is alive
and well.
The Humanitaire philosophy is not to convert everyone to a vegan lifestyle but to make consumers aware
that alternatives are available. Packer calls the products that she offers “fashion with a conscience” and
believes that humane living is a form of trend setting.
And it’s not just about animal rights or political correctness. Humanitaire is dedicated
to maintaining lines of clothing, shoes, handbags and other accessories that are longlasting,
and in fact, just as durable and reliable as real leather. To attest to the longevity of
its products, Packer has placed a pair of her own non-leather boots in the store’s display
case along with a list of where she has been and what she has done in the boots.
Packer says that the durability of synthetic materials that can now be used to replace
leather in any instance is unquestionable — her well-traveled boots are evidence enough
of this fact.
Packer started Humanitaire with the idea that “humans and the environmental issues
are inextricably intertwined,” and she has carried through surprisingly well in such a niche
market. The basic premise was to offer goods to consumers that are cruelty-free, do not test on animals and
that do not use sweatshop labor. According to Packer, “When I shopped for myself as a vegan, I found a lot of
snotty salespeople and crappy plastic products.”
The inventory and variety of products available is outstanding considering there are so few designers
and manufacturers within vegan guidelines. But Humanitaire literally has it all, from footwear and clothing,
handbags and backpacks, wallets, belts, dog and cat carriers and loads of other miscellaneous items.
“Faux leather has come a long way in the past few years. Some brands use a material originally created for
yachting, so it moves with you, breathes and it is biodegradable,” Packer says.
Handbags from Matt & Nat are some of the most popular items and are available in large and small sizes
and in styles from clutch to shoulder bag. Available in colors such as black and raspberry and in different
textures, Matt & Nat bags are the perfect evidence attesting to the strength, durability and the authentic look
of faux leather. The Matt and Nat spring collection is now available in-store and online.
There are many other lines of vegan products and clothing available “in-store only” as well. While many of
the shoes, handbags and other accessories are available on the Humanitaire Web site, items such as crueltyfree
Zuzu Luxe Cosmetics and Snooty Jewelry are only
available at the storefront in Costa Mesa. Also available instore
only are a variety of shoes by MacBeth, a certified vegan
manufacturer. MacBeth shoes are available in many sizes and
styles for all occasions.
Packer also hopes to open a new Humanitaire location in
Los Angeles in the coming months. As with Orange County, it
is difficult to believe that there are not more stores dedicated
to the vegan and vegetarian populations and others dedicated
to going green.
“There is something here for everyone,” Packer says. “We
even have vegan makeup.”
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When I shopped music for
myself as a vegan,
I found a lot of
snotty salespeople ????
and crappy
plastic products.
last word
— Lindsey Packer
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Get cute without animals: www.shophumanitaire.com
944 MAGAZINE / APRIL 2007
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