A vegetarian since the age of nine, and vegan for the past 15 years, Natalie Portman has long been a vocal advocate for animal rights. For the actor, that extends to her wardrobe, too – although the lack of good options on the market for vegans is an ongoing problem. “I haven’t worn any animal products [since turning vegan], but a lot of the replacement things aren’t necessarily great for the environment,“ she tells Vogue over the phone from Paris. “So many of these alternatives have some percentage of plastic in them.”
That’s why Portman’s interest was piqued when she came across New York-based start-up Uncaged Innovations’s bio-based leather alternative, Elevate, crafted from grain by-products, along with natural rubber, plant oils, mineral pigments and flower extracts. “I was so impressed by what they had created that I immediately wanted to be part of it,” the actor, who has become an investor in the company and taken on the role of strategic partner, says. “To create this bio material that really replicates the feel, the luxury, the quality of leather, but is really eco-friendly and animal free – [it’s] something I’ve always wanted.”
Since launching in 2020, the vegan leather alternative – which Uncaged Innovations says emits 95 per cent fewer greenhouse gases, uses 89 per cent less water and 71 per cent less energy than conventional animal leather – has already been adopted by the likes of Jaguar Land Rover and Hyundai Motor Group in the automotive industry. Now, the start-up has its sights set on fashion. “I’m really involved in getting the word out that this is an incredible [material] for everything from our interiors to shoes,“ Portman continues.
While it will take time for vegan alternatives to be adopted at scale within the fashion industry, Portman hopes her own approach to her wardrobe will help to inspire others. “I hope the fact that I only wear non-animal products shows that it’s possible,“ she reflects. “I don’t want to preach too much, but I think when people know that it’s possible [to] have beautiful, durable, high-quality and also ethical and eco-friendly materials at the same price points, most people would opt for the animal-friendly, eco-friendly version.”
Beyond adopting a vegan wardrobe, Portman is also a vintage obsessive – with the likes of Fallon, Re-See and Thanx God I’m A VIP among her favourite stores in Paris. “I shop vintage, second-hand almost exclusively,” the actor says. “First of all, it’s very fun to discover a unique piece that feels very individual, and second of all, it also feels good to be [tapping into] the circular economy.” Her best vintage purchase to date? A ’70s pink halter-neck dress from Yves Saint Laurent, sourced from Fallon, which she wore to her son’s bar mitzvah.
As for what changes she would like to see in the fashion industry moving forward, Portman is very clear. “I would love to see companies using more sustainable materials and getting rid of animal products altogether – [that] would be my goal,” she says. “And of course, more circular purchasing and [more circularity] in all aspects.”
