Great Green Gear for Guys: Shoes
We’d share a soy latte with vegan eco-hottie Joshua Katcher any day. Photo: Ecouterre
He’s a designer, trendsetter and lifestyle guru who also happens to be a committed environmentalist, vegan and social justice activist. His popular blog, The Discerning Brute, covers the finest in “fashion, food and etiquette for the ethically handsome man” (and yeah, he’s that, too). And he recently launched Brave GentleMan, an insanely awesome online store for “principled attire and smart supplies.” Who is this un-masked man? Only the fabulous Joshua Katcher, who as this month’s Fashion guest-blogger, scored the season’s slickest picks in head-to-toe eco-outfitting for your brave and yes, gentle—to planet and people alike—man. Oh, and p.s. Look for our new Veganista column, launching October 1st!
Dressing well—as well as ethically—is not just for ecoistas. More and more brands are beginning to offer handsome, distinct and principled menswear and accessories that are fit for heroes and protectors. With mainstream male identity a major roadblock to environmental care and protection it’s clear that sustainability must become a men’s issue.
The personal identity that we express through the powerful visual dialect of fashion and style can communicate our commitment to defending ecosystems, people and animals. Fortunately, men are finally beginning to realize that it is incredibly masculine to show strength in this way—as a fighter for what’s right. Here are some exciting labels and eco-attire resources to outfit your dashing rebel-with-a-cause.
I created Brave GentleMan for indulgent heroes, protectors, defenders, adventurers and men with lion hearts: those who appreciate fashion that’s also cruelty-free. The shop also strives to only showcase items that are sustainably produced in fair-labor conditions, and whose brands are not simply creating handsome products, but addressing ecological, social justice and animal rights issues that will allow men with a strong sense of personal style to express themselves with pride in their principles.
Brave GentleMan features exclusive collaborations with brands like Novacas, Thieves, Dirty Librarian Chains and more. Novacas for Brave GentleMan, a fall 2011 collection of four different vegan shoe and boot styles, will be on its feet in October.
Novacas for Brave GentleMan shoes ($225 to $300)
Want more? Brave gentleman Joshua Katcher susses out the best shoes, sneaks, accessories (yes, guys have those too), threads and scent—it’s one-stop shopping for your sustainable sweetie.
