London Fashion Week is taking a significant environmental step by extending its fur-free policy to include a ban on wild animal skins starting in 2025.
- BFC’s decision makes London the first of the ‘big four’ to ban both fur and wild animal skins, setting a precedent for Paris, Milan, and New York.
- From 2025, all brands at London Fashion Week must comply with these new rules, aligning with a growing global shift against animal exploitation in fashion.
- Dr Charlotte Regan highlights this move as crucial in sending a global message that exploiting animals for fashion is unethical and unnecessary.
- The fashion industry is increasingly mindful of environmental and social concerns, with the BFC engaging with designers on these critical issues.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) recently announced a forward-thinking policy change for London Fashion Week, expanding its existing fur-free policy to incorporate a ban on wild animal skins starting in 2025. This marks a notable progression in the fashion industry’s efforts to address environmental and ethical concerns.
David Leigh-Pemberton, Deputy Director of Policy and Engagement at the BFC, disclosed this policy change during a speech in parliament. He noted that London Fashion Week will become the first of the major fashion events to enforce a ban on both fur and wild animal skins. This pioneering step places London ahead of other prestigious fashion hubs, including Paris, Milan, and New York, in promoting responsible fashion practices.
In line with these new regulations, all participating brands at London Fashion Week from early 2025 onwards will be required to adhere to the prohibition of real fur and exotic skins in their collections. This initiative underscores a global trend toward sustainable and ethically conscious fashion. Smaller fashion weeks, such as those in Copenhagen, Berlin, and Melbourne, have already enacted similar bans, indicating a broader industry shift.
Dr Charlotte Regan, Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection UK’s Wildlife division, expressed strong support for this decision. She remarked, “The British Fashion Council’s announcement that London Fashion Week is now officially free from wild animal skins sends an important message throughout the global fashion industry that exploiting animals for their skins is both unethical and unnecessary.”
This change comes amidst growing attention to the fashion industry’s impact on environmental and social issues. The BFC continues to engage with designers and the wider fashion community, striving to evolve standards and practices. Ongoing discussions are being conducted regarding the use of feathers on the catwalk, demonstrating the council’s commitment to addressing comprehensive ethical concerns within the industry.
London Fashion Week’s commitment to banning wild animal skins underscores a significant ethical and environmental shift in the fashion industry.
