Natalie Portman's Vegan Shoe Line May Not Survive the Economy

December 24, 2008 10:33 p.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - It looks like even some celebrities might not be immune to the effects of the slumping economy.

Te Casan, the shoe company that backed and sold actress Natalie Portman's vegan shoe line, has gone out of business. Ironically, the shoe collection was originally intended to be a limited edition line, however, this news might make it a bit more limited than Portman wanted.

The line debuted earlier this year, with pre-orders available January 15 and officially launching at stores in February. Shoes were priced around $200.

Vegetarians and vegans everywhere seemed excited about Portman's shoes - they are made cruelty-free with no animal products.

Te Casan has even shut down its website. There has been no word from Portman or her reps on whether she'll seek another partnership to keep her shoes out there.

Portman might be too busy focusing on her upcoming film projects to worry about what to do. She recently finished filming "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits" and "New York, I Love You" and is currently filming "17 Photos of Isabel in New York City."

Celebrity designers have increased in recent years, and even as the economy continues to slump, several actors, singers and models are still starting their own various fashion lines. Sheryl Crow is launching a denim line, reality starlets Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge of "The Hills" fame recently followed the show's star, Lauren Conrad's, footsteps with their own lines and rumors abound that Lil' Wayne will launch two clothing lines in the new year.

Portman's vegan shoe line, however, was launched for good reason other than for the actress to cash in - to lessen animal cruelty and promote other materials for shoes.