Zayn Malik won an ethical fashion award in 2017 for his for his Zayn x Versus collection, a collaboration with Versace. | Steve Granitz/WireImage
Zayn Malik has made it big in the music industry, with and without One Direction. Now, he’s making moves into the fashion industry and already has a major collaboration (and award) to show for it — along with many heartthrob-y magazine covers.
The 2017 PETA UK Fashion Awards honored the greatest in fashion this year for animal-friendly achievements. Malik was among the winners for his Zayn x Versus collection, a collaboration with Versace.
The line was praised for its “eco-leather” statement pieces, which opted for vegan leather instead of the traditional kind which requires the skinning of cows who are often badly mistreated. Shoppers are increasingly asking for vegan leather these days, as the traditional leather industry is full of horrific animal cruelty and is harmful not only to the environment but also to the frequently underpaid workers who have no choice but to work these jobs.
Zayn’s collaboration with Versace included a statement biker jacket, miniskirt, and lace-up skinny pants. Other winners include Gucci, who joined Armani, Calvin Klein, Vivienne Westwood, and Stella McCartney in going fur-free and Faustine Steinmetz who was honored for her fur, leather, and exotic skin-free collections.
There are more and more cruelty-free alternatives to leather these days. Brands are now using teak leaves and pineapple leaf fibers, among many other clean resources, to make leather. Vegan leather is no longer niche nor is it considered a specialty item. Luxury brands, across the board, are manufacturing and selling vegan leather products.
For a full list of winners, check out PETA UK’s official awards page.
Image Credit: Wiki Commons
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