When out and about, you see many people wearing sneakers with a large 'V' on the centre panel. A striking design that not many know the origin of. Perhaps you know the brand VEJA - as you may have seen, this French brand designs unique silhouettes. But did you also know that these sneakers are completely sustainable? In fact, the brand has grown so much that it has become one of the biggest success stories in sustainable fashion.
The VEJA Story
VEJA's story dates back to the early 1990s. The French brand was founded in 2004 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion, who released their first sneaker in 2005. Before this sneaker's release, VEJA's founders travelled around the world, taking a close look at various clothing and food factories in South America, Asia and Australia along the way.
During their journey, they were interested in how these products were made. Kopp and Morillion felt this could and should be better. This is why VEJA was founded. Sébastien wanted to make sneakers from ecological materials and using ethical suppliers. He said the idea behind the brand was to "rethink the creation of a popular product". Watch the video below to see the journey in detail!
The company spends no money on marketing and advertising, allowing for five times more to be spent on workers' working conditions, production and materials of the sneakers, without charging a higher selling price. Which fits perfectly with the brand's vision.
Eco-Friendly
In this world, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to organic, ecological, vegan and sustainable production. Only together can you protect the planet, with the purchase of a Veja sneaker you have taken the first step in the right direction. The brand pays above-average raw material prices and tries to use organic cotton, fair-trade rubber, vegetable-tanned leather and recycled materials as much as possible.
The most important thing in this process is that they are thorough and fair. To ultimately bring a beautiful and sustainable final product to the market.
Upcycling
A key feature is upcycling. This means that the company turns waste into new products, which include: plastic bottles, cotton recycled from cutting waste from the textile industry, and recycled polyester. The recycled materials give household waste a second life. VEJA shows that it is possible to produce responsibly.
Popular silhouettes
V-10
The first is the V-10, which has a minimalist design that can be worn stylishly on the street. The silhouette is available in different colorways and materials. In addition, the pair is manufactured in good conditions in Brazil. The upper is made of vegetable-tanned leather and the lining of biodegradable cotton.
V-15
Second, we have the V-15, which is built just a little higher than the previous model. This colorway stands out a lot because of the black pattern on the upper. Conventional dyes have been used for the colours.
Campo
Lastly we have the Campo, which like the first pair have a minimalist design. It is a clean-looking sneaker due to the cream colour that can be seen on entire shoe.
Hopefully, you were able to get a better idea of the brand and now know the story behind the 'V'. For an overview of all the silhouettes, click the button below!
Curious about more sustainable sneakers and news? Then check out the Sneakerjagers sustainable sneaker search engine.