The latest interview w/ TVP! (July 1)

Recently through twitter I came to find myself speaking to a lot of interesting, like-minded start-ups. One in particular was a group up in Canada known as The Vegan Project (twitter: @theveganproject)

Here's the details of our interview:

Vegan Fashion: Prestigious, Handmade by Human Beings



A little birdy we spend a lot of time with (Twitter) recently introduced us to a vegan clothing company called Prestigious based in Massachusetts. We thought the t-shirts and hoodies were cute and affordable, and loved the ‘handmade by human beings’ tagline, so we decided to chat with the Prestigious owner William Matte about his company and what it means to be a vegan entrepreneur.

VP: Why is veganism important to you?

WM: Personally, being vegan is a way of life. It’s become second nature to me. I know at a glance if a product is one i’ll use or consume in any way. I have been doing this for nearly ten years, roughly 40% of my time alive so far. I don’t see ever changing.

VP: What does it mean to be a vegan entrepreneur?

WM: To be perfectly honest, promoting my business as “vegan” is not difficult, as I run the brand alone. The entire worker body is vegan, the owner is vegan, the shipping manager is vegan – it just seeps into what I do here daily. The products I sell, furthermore, are free of animal products such as leather, wool or silk, and my customers appreciate that effort. I also remain satisfied with my motives for doing so. I practice what i preach.

VP: When did you decide to start a vegan clothing line, and what makes it vegan?

WM: I started Prestigious in 2007, but it wasn’t until April of 2008 that i got tees printed for the first time and unveiled a website. I have used American Apparel blanks for every tee released since day one. American Apparel has been praised as a brand historically for their vegan practice (they have non vegan items available these days, but I can’t speak to that. My products are cruelty free!)
Prestigious T-Shirt


VP: How do you feel about the vegan fashion that’s out there now?

WM: Vegan fashion to me is best exemplified in footwear, both casual and dress for men and women. Many of the coolest canvas styles we devour are vegan and most don’t even realize it. Any garment can be made by non-flesh or cruelty-free material, and Prestigious boasts that.

VP: Any advice you can give other vegan entreprenuers?

WM: Of course! As you know by not going hungry each and every day, there ARE vegan options throughout every facet of life, including commercial networks. Vegan materials are obtainable to yield a vegan-friendly product to the end user. Stay true to your beliefs and you’ll find a way every time.


(Prestigious owner William Matte poses in a mens tank from his clothing line, which sells for $21 USD)

Check out www.thisisprestigious.com to shop for printed vegan t-shirts, hoodies, tanks and belts.

Follow William on Twitter @hndmadebyhumans.

~The Vegan Project

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Please check out TVP at http://www.theveganproject.ca