RZA stopped eating meat in the 90s. He has now launched a new vegan puffer jacket. | Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
RZA’s clothing line 36 Chambers and outerwear brand Embassy of Bricks and Logs have come together to launch a vegan, down-free puffer jacket.
The new nineties-inspired puffer jacket’s artwork features the flying guillotine — a weapon thought to have been invented during the Qing dynasty.
On the back of the neck, the jacket reads “our heads no longer belong to us.” The quote is from the 1976 kung fu cult classic “Master of the Flying Guillotine.”
To ensure warmth, instead of down, the lining includes recycled ocean plastic. Farmers pull down — the soft layer of feathers closest to a bird’s skin — from geese. According to animal rights campaigners, this often leaves the birds with open wounds.
The industry has ties with foie gras production, as some make extra profit by selling their birds for food as well as feathers. According to RZA, cruelty for warmth isn’t necessary anymore.
He said in a statement, “as we evolve as a people through technology and ingenuity, we have the ability through humane ways to fashion garments that not only serve our purpose but also, more importantly, abandon the unnecessary cruelty to animals.”
The Wu-Tang Clan rapper is vegan and passionate about animal rights. He recently urged New York City to ban the sale of fur. On an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, he said, “no animal needs to die for me to live, ok?”
Fifteen percent of the jacket’s profits will go towards animal rights organization PETA.
A number of brands are demonstrating that down is no longer necessary to make warm winter jackets.
Canadian brand Wuxly uses military grade Primaloft Gold Insulation to insulate its cruelty-free parkas. According to the brand, the tech-based insulation holds 98 percent of its heat, even when wet.
For All Kind, also based in Canada, also uses Primaloft Gold Insulation. The brand told LIVEKINDLY, “the insulation not only mimics the lightweight thermal and compressional properties of down in dry conditions but also effectively retains heat in wet conditions, unlike its traditional counterpart.”
The Flying Guillotine Puffer Jacket is available on 36 Chambers website for $336. On Embassy of Bricks and Logs, it’s €336.
This post was last modified on August 13, 2021 3:01 pm