So our first store is finally ready! Well, almost ready! As I type this, we’re putting the final touches on…  of course! We’re so excited to have you celebrate with us this SUNDAY March 4th, noon-8pm at the store!

::WHERE:: 234 Grand Street & Driggs, in Williamsburg Brooklyn (not Manhattan!)

::TO GET HERE: Take the L to Bedford, exit Driggs & N 7th, and walk 7 blocks south on Driggs, left on Grand. OR take the JMZ to Marcy and walk north on Havemeyer until Grand, turn Left on Grand two blocks. PS we’re one block from Food Swings (brunch!), Caraca’s (vegan arepas!), & M Shanghai (mm dumpling soup!!)

::HOURS:: We’ll be open 12-8 on opening day (Sunday March 3rd!) Then every day after that we’re open 1-8pm, closed Mondays. Of course we’re always open at VauteCouture.com *wink*

THE GRAND OPENING!////

OUR FIRST STORE! has been designed with lots of love & was so oh much fun to create! It’s made of nearly all salvaged materials that were just meant to get a second life with us, like a Starry Lightbox for the fitting room, ex-Abercrombie mannequins (so tan! washboard abs!), a 100% vegan photobooth made of antique doors, a cashwrap designed from Lady Gaga’s ex-Barney’s mantle, and we finished the space with art pieces made just for the store from local artists like animal heads by Becka & Marta! Building this store has been the most fun thing I’ve done in a LONG TIME! and I couldn’t have done it without of course James Sylvester, whose amazing ear & eye for everything resulted in the perfect name for the store and design decisions on nearly everything! My puny little arms couldn’t do all the construction myself either, so that thanks goes to Daniel Lopez, Annie Raso, and Christine Persad, and more, for helping hammer, lift, paint, install, and more. And our brand new just started staff, which I can’t wait for you to meet, includes Laura, Dennell, Scarlet, and Patricia!

AT THE OPENING///

So our flagship store is the first 100% vegan apparel label’s own store in the US! We’re so excited to celebrate this with you- cruelty free fashion is spreading and we want to show the world that it’s no sacrifice to care, that factory farmed animals deserve our love and voice and consideration in our daily life of what we wear as much as what we eat. R&D is a crucial part of who we are, because we are here to further the fashion industry with new fabrics that are 100% vegan, as well as eco-conscious, that are superior in function and design to conventional materials. Together we can be a voice for the billions of faceless animals around the world who are treated like parts of a machine, cruelly used up and slaughtered, all for their skin & their bodies. All mass produced materials from animals (including wool & down) are products of factory farms- hell on earth for animals, and I work my butt off to develop alternatives that are superior in weatherproof capabilities, and look, so no one ever feels the need to wear an animal again.

We’re a self-funded bootstrapped labor of love! So that means we need to raise money to cover this super expensive endeavor of opening our first store, and lucky for you that means a big ol’ sample sale! We’re selling several of our favorite style coats at 40-70% off (with extra % off if you buy 2 or 3 for yourself or with friends!), and have special outerwear pieces available at 10-25% off that have been soldout online forever. ONE DAY ONLY. Invest in your winter coat now so that next season you’ll be prepared for the chill!

ALSO IN STORE is the full tee collection, while our stock lasts! PLUS new jewelry, knits (hats, scarves, earmuffs!) available too! Special edition handpainted tees, one of kind handpainted dresses, and the spring preview (which includes hemp/organic cotton denim shortalls & jumpers, organic cotton dresses, and bamboo rompers) will also be on display for preorder. Plus we designed a special ltd edition necklace for the opening only, to raise $$ for our store & thank our awesome early supporters!

EVERY GUEST gets FREE HUGS, FREE Matcha & Almondine mini CUPCAKES (by Verite Catering), and a gift card for themselves and a friend, to use on a future visit, just for celebrating the opening with us!

STAY TUNED for our events calendar, which will include adoption events, jewelry classes, + more! Signup for our newsletter here to keep an eye on upcoming events!

Come meet our first official staff, see the new store we put our HEART in, and eat a cupcake, THIS SUNDAY!

warmest,

Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart, Founder, CEO, & Creative Director

Sooooo we are building our first real team and we’re so excited to open it up to include not 1, not 2, but 4 interns, to join our 3 new staff members, to create our first official team at the new VC Headquarters in Brooklyn! You’ll be a part of all aspects of the operations of a small independent fashion label, which for us includes development & operations of creating and selling our new collections, partnerships with nonprofits, community events, and more! We’re passionate about animals, fashion, and people, and we were born to be a voice for the animals in the fashion industry- developing alternatives to cruel materials that are high in design and high in style. This month we’re so excited to open our FIRST store & for you to be apart of it!

So yes, we have four internships this season! Marketing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, and Product Development. The first three are open, so please send your resume, portfolio (if you have one- as a pdf or a website link), and an email telling me about yourself & why you’re excited to intern for Vaute Couture.

//THREE OPEN INTERNSHIPS//

Every intern will learn and work in many aspects of our fashion label’s operations, plus there are three focuses (see below). For all internships, a Vaute Couture intern has hustle, a warm and easygoing personality, attention to detail, and enjoys a challenge. They are someone who has taken charge in projects that they care about, is creative and artistic, and loves people, animals, and art. They do not need to have a background in fashion, though a love for fashion is definitely a must.

:::THE THREE VC INTERNSHIP FOCUSES:::

Marketing: Assist & gain experience in Social Media, Events, and Public Relations. Looking for someone with exceptional communication skills especially writing with a sweet and witty personality, and a great listener.

Fashion Design: Assist & gain experience in the fashion design process including the sketch to conception to production process. Looking for someone who has a great eye & preferably trained in Illustrator or CAD.

Graphic Design: Assist & gain experience in the graphic design elements of a fashion label for online, print, and in store use. Looking for someone who has a great eye & preferably trained in Photoshop and Illustrator, with web design experience or interest.

INTERNSHIP details:::

We’re a self-funded bootstrapped labor of love, which means you will learn a TON & get lots of hands on experience while observing many aspects of a fashion label’s operations and processes, but this is, yes, an unpaid internship (sorreeee!) You can get college credit, so please let us know if you’d like that. The internship is for 1-2 days a week (6-8 hours a day) in our Headquarters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn starting end of February for 3-4 months. We are located at 234 Grand Street, Brooklyn, off the Bedford and Lorimer L Stops and JMZ Marcy stop.

TO APPLY Please send your resume (as a .doc or .pdf file), portfolio (if you have one- as a pdf or a website link), and an email telling me about yourself & why you’re excited to intern for Vaute Couture, to Sales@VauteCouture.com with the subject heading “YOUR NAME: I wanna be the VC ________ intern!” and include which internship you’re applying for (Marketing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or Open).  It’s a bit crazy opening the store so please understand we can’t reply to all applicants. If we’re interested in interviewing you, you’ll hear from us soon and we’ll set up an interview for the last two weeks of February.

Thanks SO much for your interest in joining  our team! Looking forward to hearing from you, and please keep doing your thing and spreading the love for animals!

warmest,

The “We are BUILDING OUR FIRST STORE! SALE”Mostly 40-55% off! SHOP HERE.

is happening NOW, for 5 days only. We are a self-funded independent label built off 80 hour workweeks & life savings, plus YOUR orders. You make this all possible and thanks to your support through all the trials and tribulations of a bootstrapped startup, we are now taking it to the next level with our FIRST STORE and our FIRST REAL TEAM! Vegan fashion will soon dominate the world, and we’re taking all of you with us! mwahahahaha. Back to the sale- some styles will never be made again, and these colors will likely not be made again (except black), so if you have a favorite, grab yours if you’ll later regret it, because you know what they say about regrets… um, they’re bad?

OH!

And this is a grab your BFF, Sister, Man, Mom to get a better deal. If together (or by yourself, we won’t tell!) you buy 2 coats, you get an additional 15% off, just use code: “BUILDTHATSTORE” or “WEWANNAVISIT” (and we hope you do!)

——————————DRESS COATS ON SALE——————————

Our Signature Winter Dress coat took 8 months of fabric development and are the only winter dress coat on the market that are warmer than wool (warm enough for below freezing weather with lots of Canadian fans!) but 100% vegan, cruelty free, and they are also made of recycled & recyclable fibers & constructed in NYC. <3

,

the VAUTE in RED: XS,S,L,XL

the Red PEA (FW10) XS,S,M

the Soft Black PEA: XS (2 left), Medium (1 left)- available in DIBS

the ALICIA in Emerald Velvet: Runs ONE SIZE BIG. S-XL

the ALICIA in Black Velvet: RUNS ONE SIZE BIG: S-XL

the ALICIA in Bittersweet Velvet: RUNS ONE SIZE BIG: S-XL

the ORU (available in soft black-- a pretty dark gray with olive undertone): XS-L

You can see them all here at their sale prices, through TUESDAY only. thanks you guys! xoxo

The “We are BUILDING OUR FIRST STORE! SALE”

(Most coats 40-55% off through TUESDAY! SHOP HERE)

is happening NOW, for 5 days only. We are a self-funded independent label built off years of bootstrapped 80 hour workweeks & life savings, plus YOUR orders (thank youuu!!) You make this all possible and thanks to your support through all the adventures in bootstrapping, we are now taking it to the next level with our FIRST STORE and our FIRST REAL TEAM! Vegan fashion will soon dominate the world, and we’re taking all of you with us! mwahahahaha. Back to the sale- some styles will never be made again, and these colors will likely not be made again (except black), so if you have a favorite, grab yours if you’ll later regret it, because you know what they say about regrets… um, they’re bad?

OH!

And this is a grab your BFF, Sister, Man, Mom to get a better deal. If together (or by yourself, we won’t tell!) you buy 2 coats, you get an additional 15% off, just use code: “BUILDTHATSTORE” or “WEWANNAVISIT” xo

————————– URBAN SNOW COATS ON SALE ————————–

Our urban snow coats are the first and only all eco & vegan insulated winter coat line! They are developed of all recycled materials- insulated with PRIMALOFT ECO & encased in 100% recycled closed loop zero waste ripstop that is windproof and snow resistant, and all coats are made locally in the NYC Fashion District. <3

the Pink AIRS in XS & S (1M and 1XL available via DIBS)

the black KINDER: in Small and Medium (1 XS available via DIBS SOLD)

the Pink KINDER: XS,S,M (1 Large available via DIBS)

the LARSON: Small and Medium

the Lincoln: BLACK XS-L Available (Gridlock & Cobalt via DIBS)

the WILLIAMS in Waterproof Khaki Canvas XS-L (1 XL avail. via DIBS)

the CHELSEA: in Pink + Khaki Canvas (Cobalt + Black via DIBS)

what’s DIBS? If we only have a couple pieces left in a style/color/size we have a DIBS process in place so that the same coat isn’t sold twice on accident, since we have to manually update the store and we are s-l-o-w.

Thank you SO much for the support!! You make this happen THANK YOU!!!

Again you can see all the coats and buy them here!

warmest,

Building a FIRST Store is fun^ sorta expensive power!

So we’re having a sale = you can be warm, we can open our store!

Most styles are 40-55% off thru TUESDAY only (plus we have some soldout styles too!) <3

So we have been super busy building our very first FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE slash Headquarters at 234 Grand Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We are designing everything with one of a kind salvaged gems like a handmade starry lightbox that James spotted (that I thought was a splattered box of blah & now can’t stop staring at!), and a red mantle designed from Lady Gaga’s Barney’s exhibit which will become our cash wrap… plus some forever old doors, painted over several times, each layer having seen a different life (if these doors could talk…)   Plus we will be debuting our first SPRING collection (dresses! jumpers!) so please save the date (Sunday March 4th, after the NY Vegetarian Festival) if you’re in NYC and environs!

INVITES TO COME<3

Okay, the important part… the COAT SALE! It goes on for 5 days only, Friday through Tuesday. Your coat will ship about 1 week after your order with lots of love & thanks as you are making our first shop possible.

1. FIRST DIBS Coats: these coats are the last pieces of these styles & must be purchased DIBS style!

2. DRESS COATS on sale!: These are our signature winter dress coats, warmer than wool, and 100% vegan, made of recyclable and recycled fibers, and constructed locally in the NYC fashion district. These are mostly 40-55% off! SHOP HERE. Use code “BUILDTHATSTORE” for extra 15% off when you buy 2.

3. SNOW COATS on sale!: These are our urban snow coats, developed of all recycled materials with high tech Primaloft ECO insulation, encased in 100% windproof snow resistant shell and liner, and made in NYC too. These are mostly 40-55% off! SHOP HERE. Use code “BUILDTHATSTORE” for extra 15% off when you buy 2.

4. COMING NEXT WEEK: EARMUFFS on sale!: These are our super sweet faux fur earmuffs with velvet headband, insulated with Primaloft ECO to keep your ears toasty warm. This sale starts next week!

Email sales@vautecouture.com with any questions and thoughts and jokes of the day and we will get back to you as soon as possible! Hugs and love and thanks for your support of our self-funded little label.

you guys are the BEST! We can’t do this without you!!

xoxo

It’s a story of coat meets world. Shot in the factory we made her and on the streets we walked every day searching for the best buttons, hustling to check on her sewing, her cutting, her becoming.

Photographed by Joshua Katcher: ethical style icon, speaker, author of the Discerning Brute, founder of BRAVE GENTLE MAN, and director of PINNACLE. Model Irena Kukhta, Art director Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart

ABOVE IS THE AUDREY in Bittersweet Velvet (Photos 1&4), and Black Velvet (Photos 2,3,5) This calf length maxi coat will keep you warm and stunning at once, with a high versatile collar, asymmetrical zipper, and our brand new custom made 100% recycled fiber velvet, this coat is windproof & snow resistant, and heat retaining while staying sweet & slim. Perfect for dressing up nearly everything you own, just add boots. Named for Ms. Hepburn, the inventor of Lovely… “I believe in pink. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls…”

There are just a few coats left of this style available for purchase in our DIBS process. Read here for details!

And the Alicia. Our perfect Peacoat, inspired by Alicia Silverstone of course–  who has just the way about her to educate & raise awareness for all beings (and what a natural beauty!)  With vintage inspired collar, wide waistband, and back vent, this piece will elevate your jeans & boots & everything else. In our snow resistant 100% recycled fiber velvet, with windproof liner, you’ll warm hearts, to match your own.

We currently have the Alicia available in Small through Extra Large in all three velvets. This style runs one size large/roomy, so please order accordingly- you can find your Alicia here.

xo

UPDATE: This list is being periodically updated so YES you can still call dibs on these coats! xoxo

This season we soldout of most styles before preorders were even through…  I was so blown away by your support but so so sad we didn’t make more! BUT HEY sunshine, check this out! We have kept a few pieces of each style under our wing just in case, and now they are being released back into the wild…if you’ve been waiting for one of these styles, now’s your chance! <3

RULES::::::::::::::

FIRST DIBS: These are first dibs. The first person who contacts us for that particular piece, then gets the go to pay, and pays within the hour of being given the go, will get that coat.

HOW TO CALL DIBS: To order, contact sales@vautecouture.com with “DIBS Style Name/Size/Color” (example: “DIBS Vaute/Bittersweet/XSmall”) and as soon as you are contacted with “It’s yours” you have 1 hour to send the payment via Paypal (free shipping) to Leanne@VauteCouture.com.

Patience, my dear! <3 VC is still a super teeny operation, if you don’t hear back please stay tuned… you may still be first. If you aren’t first, we’ll let you know as soon as we can, promise!

PRICE: the Price is the same as normal retail price (unless otherwise noted), but there is free shipping for all dibs. We’re also having a BIG SALE this week, 5 days only! Check out the coat shop for all styles. **goodSIDEnote: You can use the SPRINGCLEANING discount on these coats, as well (buy two coats, receive $50 off). Just make sure to make a note when you email us!

Once this coat is soldout, it will be removed from the DIBS list below. Happy dibbing! Thanks so much for the support! It keeps us going. You guys are the best. xoxo Leanne

:::::::::::::::::PREVIOUSLY SOLDOUT COATS now available for DIBS ::::::::::::::::::::::

(COLOR NOTES: the Black Velvet has a midnight undertone. The soft black has an olive charcoal tone.)

WOMENS COATS//

• the Belden: WE HAVE ONE LEFT!! in Black luxe size Large (we just found it!)(SOLD)
• the Vaute (FW11) on sale $350: Bittersweet Velvet in Extra Small (1), Black Velvet in Extra Small (1)(SOLD) and Small (1) SOLD, Emerald Velvet in Medium(1) SOLD, Large (1 Left!). Fit notes: FITS a half size SMALL, especially in the bust. (You can have the buttons moved over by a tailor or dry cleaners, to get more room in the bust but keep the rest the same fit.)
• the Zippered Audrey (FW11) on sale $350: Black Luxe in XS(1) - SOLD, Black Velvet in Small (1-SOLD)(2-1 SOLD), Large (1)(SOLD), XLarge (1)(SOLD), Bittersweet Velvet in Small (1)-SOLD, Medium (1), XLarge (1) (1)(SOLD). Fit notes: Fits a full size LARGE, especially in the waist. Plus one soft black Small Audrey from Collection Two (with buttons)- runs true to size (SOLD). AND NOW one soft black XS Audrey from Collection Two (with buttons)- runs true to size.
  
• the Chelsea (on sale $225): Cobalt in Extra Small (1) - SOLD, Small (1), Gridlock in Medium (1),  Large (1) - SOLD.
• the Lincoln (on sale $475): the Xsmall Cobalt (1)(SOLD), the small Cobalt (1), Gridlock Xsmall (1), Gridlock Small (1), and Gridlock Medium (1)-SOLD. In black XS-L here.
• the Belden: one Velvet Emerald Size Large (color not pictured) SOLD
• the ALICIA: in Black Luxe : Large and Medium(1)- SOLD, Bittersweet in an XS (1)(SOLD), and Black Velvet in an XS (1)(SOLD). This style runs one size BIG (i.e. Large fits like XL). On sale for $225.
• the PEA: in soft black M (1) and in ivory XL (2). On sale for $225.
• the AIRS: in Pink medium (1), xlarge (1). On sale for $200,
• the KINDER: in Pink Large (1). On sale for $185.
• the BOMONO: in Cobalt Blue Large (1), Grey Small (1) - ON HOLD.

MENS COATS//

• Men’s Pea in Soft Black: Small (1) - SOLD, Medium (3) - SOLD Medium (1 Just Returned!), Large (3), in NAVY Large (1). Fit notes: Runs true to size. On sale for $300.
• Joaquin (sale $350): in True Black XSmall (3), Small (4), Large (1), Xlarge (1)-SOLD. Fit notes: the Joaquin runs 1/2 size small. Also in Navy ($350 on sale): XSmall(2), Small(1), Medium(1)-SOLD, Large (1) - SOLD.
• the Williams (on sale $225): in Gridlock XSmall (1), Small (1), Large(1), XLarge (SOLD), in Black XSmall (1), XLarge (1) Runs True to Size. Khaki Canvas version is on sale here.

Coats ship about 2 business days from purchase. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your support!

warmest,

WHEN: Officially TOMORROW through Monday! THIS Friday (1-7), Saturday (12-3), Sunday (2-7), Monday (1-5). Hours MAY update, so please check back here for the latest schedule before you stop by!

WHAT: Our Annual Holiday Pop Up Shop! Come try on coats, tees, knits, jewelry all for take home on the spot (we take all major CC’s too)! We’ll have some soldout styles you can’t get online, and everything has special prices. No pressure to buy, k? Free hugs. Or just come to say hi and see the new Headquarters pre-renovation. We’re taking appointments in person and via email (Email Sales@VauteCouture.com for requested day and a few hours that would work for you with “NYC Pop Up Appt” as the subject line), but walk-ins are welcome too!

WHERE:  234 Grand St (@Driggs) in Williamsburg Brooklyn. At our new boutique before it’s really ours! Come see the space PRE-RENOVATION. (See the Before now- then get ready to see the VC renovation for the Opening Party in January!) Only a block from Caracas (vegan arepas!), M Shanghai (best dumpling soup!), and Food Swings (hello!!), and a subway stop or two away from Champs (vegan diner), and the new Dunwell Doughnuts Shop, so make it an afternoon in Williamsburg and come support local Brooklyn and vegan businesses. WE LOVE YOU!

HOW TO GET THERE: Off the Bedford L, Lorimer L, and JMZ Marcy Subway Stops (only 1 stop into Brooklyn)

Can’t wait to see you, give you a holiday hug, and show you the space!!!

warmest,

If you haven’t heard, we are opening our very first flagship boutique! It will also house our headquarters, is one block from three of my favorite Williamsburg food hangouts- Food Swings, Caracas, and M Shanghai, and means something even bigger… drumroll please…

2. …We are HIRING! (!!) For the very first time I am officially expanding the team beyond interns & consultants to include a Store Steward and Brand Proxy’s.  Plus we are opening up our internship program to include 4 areas: Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Marketing, and Product Development. The Headquarters are slated to officially open late January in my own hood- Williamsburg Brooklyn (near the Bedford & Lorimer L & Marcy JMZ subway stops), and we are interviewing over the next few weeks. Please read on for details and let us know ASAP if you’d like to be considered!

:: THE TEAM::

1. /VC brand proxy/

Looking for an incredibly warm person, who thrives on multi-tasking & problem-solving, radiates creative energy, and is okay with some boring/dirty work too. The type who seeks out the newcomer to make them feel welcome, jumps to help when something goes astray, and can calmly handle a gazillion things at once. Has unique artistic talents and handiwork such as screenprinting, poetry writing, or paper cutting.  Duties include (for both in the flagship boutique and afar via online & phone)- welcoming & getting to know our friends & soon to be friends, style advising, processing orders, some creative projects, customer service in every facet of the experience, plus other various operational & marketing duties including shipping of e-commerce orders, constructing displays, facilitating interactive brand experiences in store and online, events, and collaborations with non-profits.

* Exceptional people skills. Sparkling personality, great listener, patient, & warm.

* Must love animals & fashion. Possesses hands-on creative & artistic talent.

* Organized, detail oriented, and diligent. Positive & easygoing.

* Talented communicator- must be skilled at projecting personality & kindness through email & phone.

* Humble self-starter who enjoys collaborating and working in teams.

* Retail experience a near must.

* Excellent problem solver with sense of urgency. Is at once a great planner & improviser.

* Fantastic at multi-tasking. Enjoys a challenge & not easily overwhelmed.

* Comfortable working alone- you will often be handling the boutique all by yourself.

This position is for 1-2 days a week which includes weekdays and may include weekends, 8-10 hour days.

2. //VC Store Steward//

Looking for one standout individual with strong host personality, exceptional retail knowledge, & organizational skills to, in addition to all Brand Proxy duties, manage inventory, accounting, & schedule. Looking for someone who is:

* Everything a Brand Proxy is +

* Incredibly comfortable handling the boutique alone, including during very busy hours.

* Very experienced in retail sales & customer service

* Enjoys organizing data and inventory

* Experienced with bookkeeping and accounting

* This position consists of a mostly weekend schedule: Friday-Sunday, 2-3 days a week, 8-10 hours a day.

3. *VC INTERNS* (just a heads up!)

Please note, we are NOT currently taking applications for interns YET, but will be very very soon. Interns would join the team in January as well. Please stay tuned for details of the application & interview process.

:: APPLYING FOR A VC TEAM POSITION::

1. Please send your resume with an email as to why you’d like to be a part of our very first official team and flagship boutique to: Sales@VauteCouture.com with “VC Brand Proxy- YOUR NAME” or “VC Store Steward- YOUR NAME” as the subject line. Please note- those applying for Store Steward position will also be considered for the Brand Proxy position UNLESS you specify “Only interested in Store Steward position.” Please include your schedule availability (various days and morning/ afternoon/ evening) for a possible interview between 12/15-12/20 & 12/27-12/30 as well as any links or PDF attachments of your art or creative talents. Please only apply if you will be available for at least a 3-4 month trial period, January through April, and are looking for a long term position with a company you believe in. I will be personally reading all applications. Those moving on to interviews will receive an email. If you don’t hear back, feel free to check in 3-4 months again if you would like to re-apply at that time. Thanks so so much for your time & can’t wait to hear from you!

warmest,