We want to thank Ciara at Animal Friendly for providing a blog about how fashion can be stylish without harming our furry friends. Having been animal-friendly for five years, we're beyond excited that veganism is an emerging trend and people are catching on! Check out, Delia, the owner's interview below...What was the inspiration behind Les Pommettes?
To provide a feminine shopping experience that houses a collection of both big name and indie designer brands that isn't too frilly like most feminine stores.
Are you a vegetarian? How did animal friendly become a core value of the store?
Yes, have been for over 20 years. It became a core value mainly because I felt as a retailer buying & selling multiples of product that it was kind of cruel to perpetuate the suffering of animals just for that reason. My business didn't have to rely on the sales of animal skins & fur just to sell fashion- we could do that quite easily without it. I also feel like it's just as easy to fill that dollar slot with other types of merchandise that is fashionably enviable- it just takes the conscious decision to edit out pieces or styles that include those materials.
Do you carry silk and wool? If so, what has been the reaction to these pieces that contain animal-derived materials?
Yes. Wool isn't really the issue, because my customers don't like wool's hand anyway, but silk definitely is. Synthetics have come a long way in this area but there still is a distinct difference in its feel. Silk & Cashmere are on the front of my mind in the next arena to tackle.
On a side note, I think one of the reasons people dont' go vegetarian or vegan in their purchasing is because it is presented as a daunting task. I've had people tell me its all or nothing; meaning, you have to be completely vegan in every single aspect of your life or you should do nothing at all. I don't agree with that thinking, I think that you can make small differences and if you're doing a little bit, that's good too. I.e. if you cut your meat consumption down to a couple times in a week that's better than eating it every day for a meal. Everything counts. So if we can, as a shop, prevent 50 animals from being killed then we feel good about it.
Can you tell us a fun story about something that happened in the store?
Not on story in particular but I can tell you it's a funny signt when all the sales girls are smelling, tasting and biting things, testing to see if it's animal....Everything's gotta pass the taste & smell test! ;)
If you had to use three words to describe Les Pommettes, what would they be?
I can't use 3. It's an intimate, feminine shop that offers a good variety of big & indie designers. We love color and print, but can mix it effortlessly with neutrals, nudes & greys. Some seasons we're a bit cleaner & modern, but others are romantic and feminine. You will always see something you don't see anywhere else, and usually only one piece- we like to keep it tightly edited.
What is your favorite emergin trend for Fall 2011?
Calmness. There is a calm, relaxed, lady like vibe to our fall collections. It's not too hard, not over the top, not over-indulgent; just quality, pretty and wearable. There are beautiful pieces to add to your wardrobe, both in jewelry & clothing.