by Kate McKee

Created on: November 30, 2009

Founded in August 2008, Olsen Haus creates and sells vegan footwear. High on style, color, innovative use of materials and social responsibility, the shoes have received rave reviews, and Olsen Haus already has an extensive media and celebrity following. Currently focused on women's footwear, it also has a limited collection of children's styles and it is previewing a men's collection, for which there is already a waiting list.

History

Olsen Haus is the brainchild of Elizabeth Olsen, who graduated from the Fashion Institute for Technology in New York with a degree in Accessories Design. Having previously worked for Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Nine West, she wanted to create a brand which would combine her love of fashion with her passion for animal rights. Olsen Haus (the name combines Elizabeth's surname with the German word for 'house') was the result. The company is still small enough to function as something of a 'one woman show', with Olsen currently overseeing everything from design and production to marketing and business management.

The Concept

Animal rights is central to the concept of Olsen Haus, which was set up in order to showcase the possibilities for creating on trend, sophisticated shoes from materials which are not derived from animals. Olsen also works on changing the vegan image: sophisticated and stylish herself, she wants to move public consciousness away from the old alternative, hippie image, and promote a new image of a hip, stylish, person, who is educated and aware of the importance of social responsibility and animal rights.

The Products

A passionate and vocal animal rights advocate, Olsen Haus uses only vegan materials, such as ultra suede, organic cotton, canvas, velvet, linen cork and synthetics. All of these materials are sustainable and renewable. The design concentrates on clean lines, color and innovate material mixes. Comfort is important, too: heels are kept at a reasonable height, platforms are used, and insoles are padded. The resulting look has been described as modern, sexy, hip and fun. Each collection consists of around 30 styles and retail prices range from $125 to $265.

Social Responsibility

Olsen Haus takes social responsibility seriously. In addition to its commitment to using 100% cruelty free products, it also sources its raw materials ethically: every manufacturer that the company works with is personally checked to ensure that it uses fair trade practices, pays fair wages, and provides safe facilities and equipment. The company also strives to reduce its carbon footprint by condensing shipments, manufacturing as locally as possible, and using recyclable packaging and paper. Philanthropy is central to the ethos of Olsen Haus. It supports charities such as Farm Sanctuary, the Humane Society, PETA and Greenpeace through donations, event participation and corporate membership.

To view or purchase the products, or to locate a stockist, have a look at the Olsen Haus website. While you're there, a browse through the press section will indicate just how quickly the profile of this company is rising, and the sections on animal cruelty may persuade even the most casual viewer of the importance of supporting the vegan ethos.

Source: http://www.olsenhaus.com/

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