New York - February 15, 2008

Activists on Foot

Cri de Coeur Shoe Collection

Does the phrase “vegan footwear” conjure nightmarish visions of being trapped in a Hacky Sack circle as a jam band noodles at volume eleven?

That gag reflex should ease up with the help of people like Gina Ferraraccio, a Nolita designer and longtime vegan who’s allaying our hemp-infused fears with Cri de Coeur, a sweet collection of vegan shoes made from suede microfiber, canvas, chambray, and rubber composite.

They’re undoubtedly adorable (and affordable): peep-toe flats in a light blue wash, strappy gladiator wedges, T-strap sandals, two-tone pumps, sling-back heels.

To round out her mission, Ferraraccio partners with The Carbon Fund to offset dainty footprints and also plants a tree for every pair sold. And that certainly suits her label well, since cri de coeur means “impassioned plea of the heart” in French.

We’re certainly appealing for more.

Available at Coclico, 275 Mott Street, between Houston and Prince Streets (212-965-5462);
online at ravinstyle.com. To see styles, go to cri-de-coeur.com.