London Fashion Week is set to make history as the first of the major global fashion weeks to ban the use of exotic animal skins in collections showcased at its events. Starting in 2025, designers participating in the event will no longer be allowed to use materials derived from animals such as crocodiles, alligators, and snakes. This decision marks a significant milestone in the fashion industry’s shift toward more ethical and sustainable practices.
The announcement builds on London Fashion Week’s earlier commitment to banning fur, a policy formally implemented in late 2023. Among the “big four” fashion weeks, which include New York, Milan, and Paris, London has consistently taken a progressive stance on the use of animal-derived materials. While fur and exotic skins remain present on the runways of Milan and Paris, London has set a precedent by leading these bans, following in the footsteps of other forward-thinking events like Melbourne and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks.
The ban on exotic skins has been welcomed by animal rights advocates, who see it as a critical step toward reducing the exploitation of animals in fashion. Millions of animals are subjected to suffering and death for their skins, despite the availability of innovative, animal-free alternatives. The use of exotic skins has long been criticized as both unethical and unnecessary, given the growing range of sustainable materials that designers can now access.
The move also aligns with a broader shift in consumer sentiment. Increasingly, fashion buyers are seeking products that reflect ethical and sustainable values. The ban reflects this change, signaling to the global fashion industry that traditional practices reliant on animal exploitation are becoming outdated.
Attention has now turned to the use of feathers in fashion, another contentious issue in the debate over animal welfare. Feathers are sometimes harvested through methods that cause pain and distress to birds, such as live plucking. While Copenhagen Fashion Week has already announced a ban on feathers starting in 2025, London Fashion Week has yet to implement a similar policy. Advocates are hopeful that feathers will soon be addressed, completing the transition to a wildlife-free event.
The use of feathers presents unique challenges, as they are widely used as decorative elements in clothing and accessories. Additionally, distinguishing between real and faux feathers can be difficult. Instances of mislabeling have occurred in the past, with retailers inadvertently selling real feathers under the guise of faux alternatives. These challenges highlight the need for greater transparency and stricter regulations within the industry.
London Fashion Week’s focus on emerging designers may make the implementation of the exotic skins ban less disruptive compared to events dominated by larger luxury brands. Many of the latter rely heavily on leather goods, often incorporating exotic skins into their collections. Emerging designers, on the other hand, are more likely to experiment with sustainable and innovative materials, making them better positioned to adapt to these new standards.
The ban is part of a broader initiative led by the British Fashion Council to promote ethical and sustainable practices within the industry. Through its Institute of Positive Fashion, the organization is working to provide designers with resources and tools to measure and improve their environmental and social impact. These efforts reflect the evolving priorities of the fashion community in London, which is increasingly focused on aligning creativity with responsibility.
As the industry continues to grapple with its environmental and ethical responsibilities, the ban on exotic skins represents a significant step forward. By setting this example, London Fashion Week not only reinforces its reputation as a trailblazer but also challenges other major fashion events to follow suit. With ongoing discussions about feathers and other materials, the path toward a completely wildlife-free fashion industry appears increasingly attainable.
