London Fashion Week bans the use of exotic furs in its shows

London becomes the first major fashion capital to implement this measure.

Last Friday, the British Fashion Council (BFC), the organising body of the event, announced the decision to ban the use of exotic skins, such as crocodile and snake, in its shows. “We ask designers to adhere to these conditions,” stated David Leigh Pemberton, Head of Policy and Engagement at the BFC. From now on, designers will need to agree to a new policy when applying to participate in London Fashion Week.

The use of animal skins has long been criticised by animal rights activists, despite genuine furs having been absent from London’s runways since 2018.

Copenhagen Fashion Week banned exotic skins from its runways earlier this year, but the fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, and New York have yet to follow suit. The organisation PETA urged these events to take London’s lead while applauding the initiative on social media. The same organisation disrupted Hermès‘ show at the most recent Paris Fashion Week with banners protesting the use of exotic leathers.

The debate over the use of animal-derived products is a heated topic in the industry, with mounting pressure from animal welfare groups. However, luxury brands like Loewe, Givenchy, and Celine continue to use them. On the other hand, brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga have replaced furs with more sustainable alternatives.