Blood Tight Apparel, Macbeth Footwear, and Dr. Martens Snag peta2 Awards

Retailers Prove That Compassion Is Always in Fashion

For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

As young people’s interest in animal rights rises, so does their desire for clothing and accessories that are free of fur, leather, down, and other products that cause animal suffering. And to honor those businesses that strive to meet this growing demand, peta2, PETA’s youth division, has awarded three companies in apparel-related categories in the eighth annual Libby Awards. “Libby” is for “liberation”—as in animal liberation.

Blood Tight Apparel was named the Most Animal-Friendly Clothing Company, thanks to its cheeky, in-your-face animal rights–themed designs. Macbeth Footwear, with its stylish, leather-free shoes—proudly labeled as “vegan” on the company’s website—won the award for Most Vegan-Friendly Shoe Company, and Dr. Martens‘ leather-free edition of its iconic thick-soled boot landed the first-ever award for Best Vegan Makeover, a new category this year.

“More than ever, young people want to know that their clothing is cruelty-free—and Blood Tight Apparel, Macbeth Footwear, and Dr. Martens are meeting this growing demand in exciting, creative ways,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “All of peta2’s nominees prove that today’s market is bursting with apparel and accessories that are as chic as they are kind to animals.”

Also up for Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company were Agape Attire, Charlotte Russe, and Hot Topic’s women’s boutique, Blackheart. Other competitors for Most Vegan-Friendly Shoe Company were Payless, Keep Company, and Journeys. The other nominees for Best Vegan Makeover included H&M’s down-free jacket, Gunas’ faux-crocodile “Emma Mini” purse, and Nike’s leather-free soccer cleats.

Twenty-six Libby Awards will be given out this year, recognizing everything from the best cruelty-free cosmetics company to peta2’s favorite animal-friendly celebrities. Winners were chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count, and each winner will receive a personalized certificate and yearlong bragging rights.

For more information about the winners, please visit peta2.com/Libbys.