This blogger states that $17 BILLION was spent in one year on shoes. Louis Vuitton! We could forgive the debt of a small nation-state for that amount of money. As someone with a political and social conscience, how do I feel about something like that? Well, I think we can have the best of both worlds (this being me speaking, and I always seek a win-win compromise). I think we can have our lovely Louis Vuitton shoes and still be socially conscious people.
Art collectors aren’t made to feel guilty about their art collections, and I don’t feel guilty about my wearable art collection — in fact, I feel less guilty because I can utilise and wear my art! I do however try to buy from small shops and local designers pretty frequently, and I support big names’ factories being rigorously examined for sweatshop issues.
There are claims that “Made in Italy” shoes are indeed being made in Italy, but by Chinese laborers in Italy who work in sweatshop conditions. I know this is not a fun thing for us shoe lovers to hear, and we don’t want anyone to be suffering for what we love — isn’t that one of the reasons we pay such a high pricetag? You can write to or call the major companies that are listed in this article asking them to ensure that your lovely closet puppies are made in fair conditions.
In addition, I think it’s great to support endeavors like cheap Louis Vuitton Shoes, which gives a pair of shoes to a child for every pair purchased. They’ve given away more than 140,000 pairs of shoes - what a lovely concept!