Desirée Dupuis
Founder | Vegan Fashion & Footwear
Webisode 7
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The rise of Vegan Luxury Shoe Fashion
Summary:
In this episode of ZÁY SHEEN Webisodes, Tafreed sits down with Desirée Dupuis, founder of VOES & CO, a vegan luxury footwear brand creating designer shoes from innovative plant-based materials like cactus and corn leather. Desirée shares how her journey began with going vegan for the animals, then deepened as she learned about the environmental impact of animal agriculture and traditional leather, including massive water use and the use of toxic chemicals in tanning. She explains the difference between cheap plastic-based “vegan” leather and next-generation plant-based materials, and how VOES & CO is committed to luxury, comfort, timeless design, and sustainability without compromising values. Desirée also opens up about the challenges of finding ethical manufacturers, staying true to her mission when cheaper options were available, and her vision for VOES & CO as a globally recognized symbol for vegan and sustainable style. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to make small, consistent changes, research brands before buying, and use their purchases to support companies that are better for animals, people, and the planet.
Vegan Luxury Shoe Fashion with VOES & CO
What if luxury could be kind to animals, people, and the planet at the same time? In our latest ZÁY SHEEN Webisodes conversation, I sat down with Desirée Dupuis, founder of VOES & CO, a vegan luxury footwear brand that is reshaping what high-end fashion looks like. Instead of traditional leather, VOES & CO uses next-generation plant-based materials like cactus leather and corn leather to create timeless designer boots and sneakers that feel just as premium on your feet as they look on your shelf.
Desirée shared how her journey began when she went vegan for the animals, then dove deeper into the environmental reality of leather. Traditional leather comes with huge hidden costs, from the cruelty of animal agriculture to toxic tanning chemicals and staggering water use. For years, the only alternative was cheap plastic-based “vegan” leather. VOES & CO was born from her frustration with that gap, and her desire to wear something stylish, durable, and aligned with her values.
Today, VOES & CO stands for vegan and sustainable, not one or the other. Their goal is simple but powerful: less plastic, more plants, and a new definition of luxury that relies on no harm. Desirée reminds us that we do not need to be perfect to make a difference. Small choices count. Checking what your shoes are made of, choosing plant-based materials when you can, and supporting independent brands that care about animals and the planet all add up. Every step in the right pair of shoes can become a quiet statement for a more conscious future.