Cute, unique, not-crazy-expensive and VEGAN shoes. Hot Chocolate Design was founded by a couple in Venezuela in 2004 and has remained true to its goal to provide an alternative to the uniformity and soullessness of most mass-produced brands – and to remain cruelty-free. The designers take their inspiration from their passion for vintage and nostalgia for things that made them feel happy and comfortable when they were young (pompoms, fairytale characters, a bowl of cherries, mid-century modern)
I grabbed the Green Havana flats – couldn’t believe they were vegan! HCD products have limited runs and new styles come out regularly. That means some of the shoes turn out to be collectibles. Some – OK, most – of the shoes feature different but related artwork on each shoe, like the Bon Voyage flats ($95); others, like the Havanas ($95), are tamer, but still adorable. hotchocolatedesign.com.
