Vaute Couture's Vegan Winter Coats

Vaute Couture Fall/Winter 09 collection of vegan coats. Credit: Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture, a small fashion house in Chicago, is an "activist fashion label" known for their vegan coats. The 100% vegan line designed by Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart premiered in Fall 2009 after eight months of extensive fabric research. Last night they showed their Spring 2010 collection at Chicago Fashion Week's Vert Couture show -- we'll bring you highlights later this week. Click through for photos of Vaute Couture's luxe coats--a windy city and winter staple--and their version of the classic organic cotton tee.

vaute couture fall coat 09 image
All net profits from the style on the right go to Farm Sanctuary, who rescue and rehabilitate abused farm animals. Courtesy of Vaute Couture

Vaute Couture's coats are recyclable and made in the USA with Polartec Wind Pro fabric for weather protection. They are lined with satin from the Teijin Eco Circle (a 100% post-consumer/recycled polyester) windproof ripstop satin, and finished with buttons that are either dead stock metal from a UK factory, or made from the tagua nut -- also known as "vegetable ivory". All pieces are fair trade and constructed in Chicago by workers who are paid a living wage or above.

Vaute Couture Organic Cotton Statement Tees

Courtesy of Vaute Couture

Courtesy of Vaute Couture

Statement tees are made with 100% certified organic cotton and printed with water-based inks and phthalate-free plastisol in a sustainable printing facility.:: Vaute Couture

For more green fashion news, check out our feature: