“Just because they don’t use animal products doesn’t mean vegans can’t be stylish.” Two words: HELL YES! The preceding sentence is the first line in the biography of the Montreal brand Matt & Nat. Yes, you read right, stylish and vegan at the same time.

Inder Bedi created her company Via Vegan in 1997 as a cornerstone of the developing cruelty-free, environmentally friendly market that is growing rapidly to this day. The idea came to her while at college studying marketing and corporate law. Who better to start a company? Her Indian heritage and exposure to traditional Hindu and Siku philosophies have helped her to shape the ideals of the brand, as well as how to follow her own path.

Manny Kohli and Inder joined forced in 2001 to take the newly-named Matt & Nat to the next level. With extensive experience in sales and logistics, Manny’s talents are undeniable and have helped to shape Matt & Nat’s unique image. This year’s collection is more diverse than ever, with a number of new colors, designs, as well as a brand new collection of footwear for men and women.

Being animal and environmentally-friendly is not just something that the brand itself embodies; the line’s creators live it as well. Inder and Manny are both long-time vegetarians and Manny is a strict yoga practitioner. It is companies and unique, driven individuals like these that help to shape the future of commerce. In order to focus on bettering the planet, we have to focus on bettering ourselves as well as what we buy, eat, and sell.

I was honored to be able to talk to Inder recently about the past, present, and rapidly growing future of Matt & Nat, as well as the environment. Read what she has to say about what we have learned about nature and what we need to do to preserve it.

What was your job before starting Via Vegan?

I was finishing a Business Communications degree at Concordia [when I] started via vegan. I had a job creating marketing databases for an engineering company to fund via vegan.

Where did the “matt & nat” name originate from?

I wanted a name that portrayed balance; that respected equilibrium in a spiritual sense like ying/yang. So, I came up with the name matt & nat; two opposites of the same being; a boy and a girl with very similar names but not exactly the same.

How do you think being raised in Canada has affected your environmental outlook?

For me, one of the aspects of being Canadian is being open to all sorts of new ideas/cultures/movements. I guess it makes it easier to be aware of what’s going on with all kinds of issues: the environment, vegetarianism, and animal rights of which caught my attention.

How have you used your fluency in 3 languages to expand your business?

Knowing French has helped us in Europe.

When starting out, what did you find to be your biggest challenges?

Manufacturing goods in Canada: finding the resources, both human and materials, has proved [to be] difficult.

What inspired the brand to expand from bags & accessories to include footwear this season?

I’ve wanted to do footwear for a long time. It’s different from the bags, more complicated with synthetics. When we realized that most brands out there are already using synthetics in their footwear line, it only seemed logical that we come out with our own line.

The footwear line has a mix of Matrix & outer space feel; what inspired the designs?

The fall line was very motorcycle inspired, hence the names!

What other vegan-friendly items would you like to put out under the “matt & nat” moniker?

JACKETS!

How has your involvement with PETA helped the brand grow?

By spreading the word about matt & nat amongst the vegetarian/vegan community, as well as non animal rights communities, [we] presented alternatives to those looking for alternatives.

Have there been any moments or events since the brand began that have made you feel that you have “made it” aka become a successful business?

There is no light at the end of the tunnel; the whole tunnel is lit…

Are there any fashion brands out there that you really fancy?

Inder: My taste changes every season, [so it is] hard to be loyal to any one brand.

Manny: Hugo BOSS, Roberto Cavalli, G-Star, and Diesel.

Have you thought of teaming up with another fashion brand for a collection, similar to what Stella McCartney did with H&M recently?

We are always open for new ideas!

How has the Montreal fashion scene embraced “matt & nat”?

Montrealers have definitely embraced matt & nat. We see people carrying our bags everywhere! Beside the designs, I think they like the fact that it’s from their hometown.

How does music help to inspire you while you work and develop your cause?

Music can change my whole mood, but when it comes to work, there is no time for music! At the end of the day, we have a business to run and still have a lot of work ahead of us over the coming years. I do enjoy blasting my tracks on the way home. I’m currently listening to Crystal Method.

Are there any bands in particular that you believe embody your philosophy?

I would like to think our philosophy is ‘unique.’

How have you upheld your vegan beliefs in a widely carnivorous society?

I surround myself [with] vegan items vs. non vegan items at home and at the office. The more positive choices you have, the more you will make. I’ve found that in the last couple of years, a lot of progress has been made. Mainstream grocery stores such as Loblaws have organic sections where they have a lot of vegan items. However, I look at how progressive countries like the UK are and we still have a long way to go, but it’s happening…

What are your favorite vegan food brands, recipes, or websites?

No particular favorite brands or recipes. I think besides meat dishes, you can take may mainstream dish and make them vegan (mac &cheese, etc) which is always fun. However, [I do have a] couple of favorite vegan restaurants: Candle Café in Manhattan [candlecafe.com], and Aux Vivres in Montréal [4631 Saint-Laurent Blvd].

Other than veganism, what environmental causes are close to your heart?

Veganism leads to less environmental pollution by the reduction of factory farming, so the environmental pollution caused by factory farming is an issue that is also close to my heart. They go hand in hand.

[Scans can be seen here]