Noticing a decided lack of anything remotely sexy in the way of vegan shoes, Rebecca Mink - a lifelong animal and earth activist - created her own: glamorous, towering luxury kicks made from sustainable, non-animal resources including rubber, wood, cork, and organic fabrics. When she first showed up in Italy almost 10 years ago, sketches in hand, 16 factories showed her the door, refusing to consider manufacturing such an unprecedented product. Luckily Marco Gambassi, whose family has crafted shoes for generations, viewed her project as a creative challenge. And thanks to Italian engineering, when Mink shoes were machine-tested for durability, they outlasted their conventional counterparts, proving that non-leather is a viable footwear option for green fashionistas. These "Vulture" cork wedges with delicate double ankle straps (as seen here in Lucky April 2009) could possibly be the perfect summer heel. Available by special order only - email [email protected]. Check out her entire line at MinkShoes.com.
- Lesley Scott
