Fashion designer Nicky Hilton is doing her part to reduce pollution with the launch of a new line of sustainable shoes. The collection, in partnership with shoemaker French Sole, was inspired by Hilton's desire to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
"I've definitely always been very conscious of the world, but it's not a trend anymore, which I think so many brands are doing. This is our future. We are producing way too much, and it's not sustainable. I wanted to do my part, and I'm not perfect. But, I think it's a small step in the right direction," she told Cheddar.
While shoe soles are often made from products like rubber, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the Hilton French Sole collaboration created shoes using organic materials, including some plant-based shoe soles.
Personal life choices like cutting meat out of her diet and being more aware of water and electricity consumption were motivating factors to incorporate sustainability into her businesses, Hilton said. Though the new line is the fourth collection she has put out with French Sole, it's her first attempt at launching a successful sustainable brand, and she said she looks forward to expanding.
One of Hilton's goals with the launch of the new line, which consists of nine pieces, is to help offset the carbon footprint of fast fashion, which contributes to the acceleration of climate change.
"When you hear the statistics, it's quite startling. Like a nonbiodegradable garment can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose. So, I think if everyone starts using more sustainable fabrics and using sustainable factories, if everyone did a little, I think it would make a huge change," she said.
