London Fashion Week has taken a groundbreaking step by banning the use of wild animal skins from 2025, expanding its previous fur-free policy to further address ethical concerns.
- The British Fashion Council announced the new policy, highlighting its commitment to evolving fashion standards and engaging with the global fashion community.
- From 2025, designers wishing to participate in London Fashion Week must adhere to this ban, aligning with growing ethical and environmental awareness in fashion.
- This decision positions London ahead of global counterparts, as it becomes the first of the major fashion weeks to implement such a comprehensive prohibition.
- The move has been praised by animal rights organizations, emphasizing the growing acknowledgment of animal welfare within the industry.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced a significant policy change for London Fashion Week, extending its current ban on animal fur to include a prohibition on wild animal skins starting in 2025. This development underscores London Fashion Week’s role in setting industry standards related to sustainability and ethical fashion. The council previously introduced a ban on animal fur in December, aiming to align with increased ethical standards within the industry.
Deputy Director of Policy and Engagement at the BFC, David Leigh-Pemberton, shared the policy’s expansion during a parliamentary speech, emphasizing the evolving standards designers must meet to participate in the prestigious event. From early 2025, participating brands are expected to comply with the prohibition on both fur and exotic skins, reinforcing London Fashion Week’s leading stance among the ‘big four’ global fashion shows. Other smaller fashion events, such as those in Copenhagen, Berlin, and Melbourne, have already adopted similar bans.
Leigh-Pemberton highlighted ongoing discussions with designers and the broader fashion community about potentially extending these rules to include feathers, driven by environmental and social concerns. This proactive approach indicates the council’s dedication to addressing ethical issues comprehensively within the fashion industry.
Dr. Charlotte Regan of World Animal Protection UK’s Wildlife campaign welcomed the BFC’s decision, stating that London Fashion Week’s exclusion of wild animal skins sends a powerful message globally. She remarked that using animals for their skins is both unethical and unnecessary, acknowledging the policy’s significance for animal welfare advocates.
The initiative by London Fashion Week not only sets a new benchmark for the industry but also encourages other major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York to rethink their policies regarding animal products. This decision is a step toward a more ethically conscious fashion industry, reflecting a shift in consumer attitudes and corporate responsibility.
London Fashion Week’s prohibition on wild animal skins marks a pivotal moment in promoting ethical standards in the global fashion industry.
