Dr. Martens, Blackheart in the Running for peta2 Award

Companies Are Making the Smart Decision to Meet Young People’s Fast-Growing Demand for Stylish and Cruelty-Free Vegan Apparel

For Immediate Release:
November 18, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

More than ever, young people are turning away from fur, leather, down, and other products that cause animal suffering, and a growing number of businesses are hearing them loud and clear. That’s why peta2, PETA’s youth division, has nominated 16 companies for the eighth-annual Libby Awards in four apparel-related categories. “Libby” is for “liberation”—as in animal liberation. The choices are more stylish and exciting than ever, and there’s even a brand-new category for 2013, Best Vegan Makeover, for traditionally animal-based products that have gotten a new cruelty-free update.

This year’s nominees include Hot Topic’s new women’s boutique, Blackheart, which is up for Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company, thanks to its fur- and leather-free rocker-chic garments and accessories; ModCloth‘s jeweled, cat ear–shaped “Claws for Celebration” headband, which is up for Best Cruelty-Free Accessory; and Dr. Martens‘ leather-free twist on its iconic footwear, the Vegan 8-Eye Boot, which is up for the new Best Vegan Makeover award. Other nominees include Blood Tight Apparel, Charlotte Russe, and products from H&M, Nike, and Riot Bow Ties.

“Animal rights is one of the fastest-growing social movements in America and worldwide, and young people are leading the charge by insisting on a cruelty-free lifestyle,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “All our animal-friendly nominees are winners because they’re offering some of the best and most competitive products on the market.”

There are a total of 26 categories this year, and voting ends on December 13. Winners will be chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced on December 17. Each winner will receive a personalized certificate. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to cast a vote to help peta2 decide whom it should choose as the winners, please visit peta2.com/Libbys.