Burberry ditches exotic leathers

Burberry‘s new CEO, Jonathan Akeroyd, confirmed the ban on utilizing exotic leathers in future designs.

Although the British luxury company stopped the usage of actual fur and angora in September 2018, their animal welfare policy indicated that it still gets exotic skins such as python, ostrich, and alligator.

Animal rights activists have been active in their advocacy, and luxury companies such as Chanel, Victoria Beckham, Jil Sander, and Mulberry have dropped exotic leathers in recent years.

PETA Vice President, Mimi Bekhechi, said that during Burberry’s annual meeting last year, PETA UK asked when it would make good on its commitment to be a ‘force for good in the world’ by banning exotic skins, and they’re delighted that after years of pressure from PETA entities around the world. A rising number of designers are understanding that a business in which alligators are sliced open, pythons are inflated with air compressors, and reptiles are beheaded for clothing and accessories is not trendy.

Bekhechi added that the few irresponsible outliers who continue to use exotics, such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Gucci, are not only profiting from animal exploitation and slaughter, but also playing Russian roulette with public health, given that experts, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization, have warned that the next pandemic could well come from the fashion industry. Vegan fashion is the future, and those who refuse to accept it will be hanged out to dry like yesterday’s clothes.