VegClub recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Yannik Zamboni—the winner of Amazon Prime's ‘Making the Cut’, for an insightful conversation about his remarkable journey in the fashion industry. 

Genuine, talented and effortlessly glamorous, Yannik shared how his vegan lifestyle profoundly influences his creative process and business choices. Our discussion covered everything from the compelling messages behind his brand, ‘Maison Blanche’, to his personal path to veganism, his experiences on the show and the values that drive his design and material choices.

VegClub (VC): Yannik, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

Your designs on Making the Cut showcased a strong commitment to sustainability and non-binary fashion. Can you share how your vegan lifestyle influences your approach to sustainable fashion?

Yannik Zamboni (YZ): My vegan lifestyle is not just about living healthier, protecting animals and caring for the environment. It is also a political statement not to be part of a cycle of cruelty. I clearly want to distance myself from these atrocities and not be part of them. Being vegan therefore influences every decision, including my fashion choices. In producing fashion, our choices are cruelty-free, vegan and plastic-free.

VC: Winning Making the Cut came with a $1 million prize and a partnership with Amazon. How has your veganism shaped your business decisions since the win, especially in terms of ethical and sustainable practices?

YZ: As with everything to do with veganism, the more you know, the more you think. When I see how ‘farm animals’ are kept in the wool industry, for example, it is clear to me that wool and silk must also be avoided. Therefore all our fashion is vegan. We are on the way to getting the PETA vegan-approved certificate.

VC: Your brand Maison Blanche’s often tackles sociopolitical issues through fashion. How does your vegan philosophy intersect with the themes you explore in your designs?

Maison Blanche

YZ: It’s practically always the same. Basically, with Maison Blanche my aim is to draw attention to injustices. To address taboo topics, promote discourse and thus contribute to change or be part of a change.

VC: Growing up in a small Swiss town and later moving into the fashion industry, how did your journey to veganism begin and how has it impacted your creative process?

YZ: I have always lived in the countryside and we consumed products from the neighbouring farmers—honey, eggs, meat, etc. When I moved to the city and started shopping independently for the first time, I slowly realised how differently livestock farming works. My image of the countryside with the neighbouring farmers was destroyed. The more research I did, the less I could support it. Today I have been vegan for 7 years.

“I don’t think most consumers realise how many animal products are consumed in fashion. Basically, more needs to be done.” about the fashion industry

VC: In the highly competitive environment of Making the Cut, did your vegan principles present any unique challenges or advantages in your design process or interactions with the judges and fellow contestants?

YZ: Making the Cut was filmed in LA. LA is completely ready for a vegan diet and this was never a problem even on set. Of course, I have advantages because of my vegan and healthy diet; I am extremely fit and resilient.

VC: Your collection Rare/Self with Amazon is genderless and size-inclusive, mirroring your values. How do you ensure that your vegan lifestyle is reflected in the materials and production processes of such collections?

YZ: All my fashions are ‘all-gender-inclusive’, including sizes 1-8. Everything we produce is vegan. This can only be ensured in collaboration with trustworthy partners, the necessary know-how, research and constant monitoring.

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VC: Do you still talk to the other contestants from Making the Cut and what was it like to be so close to Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn?

YZ: From time to time, I speak with Curtis and we see each other at Heidi’s Halloween party in October. I also find Markantoine and Gabby in my PMs from time to time. But because of the distance, it has certainly become quieter. I still see Heidi quite often and talk to her regularly. I really like this great, strong and kind woman; she has quickly become close to my heart.

VC: At your debut New York Fashion Week show, you presented Maison Blanche - SS23 collection. How did your vegan beliefs influence the collection’s creation and what message do you hope to send about veganism through your work?

Maison Blanche

YZ: I don’t think most consumers realise how many animal products are consumed in fashion. I’m not just talking about fur. So many shoes and jackets are made of leather. The wool and silk industry is hideous too. Basically, more needs to be done. I’m going to do a shocking marketing campaign à la Oliviero Toscani.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at so young and so vegan: Ryan Spänhoff—’The Junior Chef’ on how he became vegan. Or explore vegan fashion exposed: The shocking truth about its ethical and environmental impact.