Photo Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2020 / Disclosure Pinterest
The fashion world is constantly evolving, and London Fashion Week (LFW) has just taken another groundbreaking step toward a more ethical and sustainable future. Following last year’s ban on animal fur, the event has officially prohibited the use of exotic skins such as crocodile, snake, and lizard leather. This landmark decision was announced by David Leigh-Pemberton, deputy director of policy and engagement at the British Fashion Council (BFC), during a speech in the UK Parliament earlier this week.
The move reflects increasing pressure from animal rights activists who have long campaigned to make items like crocodile-skin handbags and snake-leather heels as obsolete as fur coats. It also signals LFW’s effort to position itself as a hub of ethical innovation, striving to remain relevant amid fierce competition from global fashion powerhouses like Paris and Milan.
The Cultural and Commercial Weight of Exotic Skins
While the ban has been widely celebrated, it raises complex questions for the fashion industry. Unlike fur, exotic leather has long been associated with exclusivity and status. Products crafted from these materials—such as handbags and luxury accessories—generate significant economic value for major brands, offering high profit margins and bolstering their prestige.
However, this decision is unlikely to impact luxury giants significantly, as most showcase their collections in Paris or Milan. London Fashion Week, in contrast, is known for nurturing emerging talent and fostering creativity. Notably, Burberry, the largest brand on the LFW schedule, had already pledged to stop using exotic skins in 2022, signaling a trend other labels may follow.
Ethics on the Rise
This latest measure is part of a broader initiative by the BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion (IPF). Alongside banning exotic skins, the IPF is currently evaluating the use of feathers on the runway, aiming to establish a “wildlife-free” fashion standard. Smaller fashion weeks, such as those in Copenhagen, Berlin, and Melbourne, have already adopted similar policies.
“This decision marks a turning point in the ethical evolution of fashion. We are moving toward a future where luxury is defined by creativity and sustainability, not by the exploitation of wildlife,” said Emma Hakansson, founder of Collective Fashion Justice, one of the organizations advocating for the change.
The Future of Cruelty-Free Fashion
LFW’s decision is not merely symbolic—it reflects a broader cultural shift as consumers demand transparency and accountability from brands. As the global conversation around ethical consumption gains momentum, events like LFW help redefine what it means to be a successful fashion brand in the 21st century.
In taking this stand, London solidifies its role as a platform for groundbreaking trends and cultural change, opening the door for designers who share values aligned with the planet’s future. Fashion, after all, mirrors the times we live in—and it seems the era of cruelty is finally coming to an end.
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