In a trailblazing move that has sent shockwaves through the fashion world, London Fashion Week has become the first of the prestigious “Big Four” fashion events to ban exotic animal skins from its runways starting in 2025. This landmark decision, announced by the British Fashion Council, requires all designers showcasing their collections at the event to ditch skins from animals such as crocodiles, alligators, and snakes.
A Fur-Free Future
The exotic skin ban comes on the heels of London Fashion Week’s earlier prohibition on fur, which was first promised in 2018 and formally implemented in December 2023. Among the major fashion weeks—New York, London, Milan, and Paris—the British capital has consistently taken the lead in addressing animal welfare concerns within the industry.
We celebrate this important progress. London Fashion Week’s decision sends a powerful message throughout the global fashion industry that exploiting animals for their skins is both unethical and unnecessary.
– Emma Håkansson, Founding Director of Collective Fashion Justice
The Push for Cruelty-Free Fashion
Animal rights advocates have long called for an end to the use of exotic skins in fashion, citing the cruelty involved in the production process. Millions of animals, including crocodiles, alligators, and snakes, are raised in captivity or hunted in the wild specifically for their skins. These animals often endure inhumane living conditions and suffer immensely before being slaughtered for their hides.
In recent years, a growing number of designers and brands have embraced cruelty-free and vegan alternatives to exotic skins. Innovative materials such as apple leather, pineapple leather, and cork have emerged as eco-friendly and animal-friendly options that don’t compromise on style or durability.
The Impact on the Fashion Industry
London Fashion Week’s exotic skin ban is expected to have a significant impact on the fashion industry as a whole. As one of the most influential fashion events in the world, LFW sets trends and shapes consumer preferences on a global scale. By taking a stand against the use of exotic skins, the event is sending a clear message that cruelty-free fashion is the way of the future.
However, some industry insiders have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing a complete ban on exotic skins, particularly for smaller designers and brands that may rely on these materials. There are also questions about the potential economic impact on communities that depend on the exotic skin trade for their livelihoods.
The Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, animal rights advocates remain optimistic about the future of ethical fashion. They point to the growing consumer demand for cruelty-free and sustainable products as evidence that change is not only possible but inevitable.
As London Fashion Week leads the charge towards a more compassionate fashion industry, all eyes are on the other major fashion capitals to see if they will follow suit. With Milan and Paris still allowing fur on their runways, there is still much work to be done to create a truly cruelty-free fashion world.
The fashion industry has the power to shape not only trends but also values. By embracing cruelty-free and sustainable practices, we can create a future where fashion is a force for good, not harm.
– Dr. Charlotte Regan, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection UK
As consumers become increasingly aware of the impact their fashion choices have on animals and the environment, the demand for ethical and sustainable fashion is only set to grow. London Fashion Week’s exotic skin ban is a significant step in the right direction, but it is up to all of us—designers, brands, and consumers alike—to ensure that compassion and sustainability become the new normal in the fashion world.
