New York Fashion week showcases the hottest designers and the latest trends of the season. This year, animal welfare was in the spotlight as A-list names are finally ditching cruel fur and leather.
Fall collections have traditionally relied heavily on leathers and furs, and while some designers stuck to the archaic tradition, some of the biggest names in fashion have discontinued animal products in their new lines. Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Botegga Veneta are among the biggest names to take a firm stance against the use of furs in their new looks. This year’s event also marked the announcement of two newcomers to the world of fashion without fur: Michael Kors and Tom Ford.
Tom Ford has long been a staple at the annual fashion week, but this was the first time he showed there without using animals furs. Inspired by his own transition to a vegan diet, he states that this transition made him question everything in relation to the use of animal products in his fall line. His collection highlighted animal prints and synthetic furs, showcasing the versatility and trendiness of cruelty free fashions.
Michal Kors also stepped into the world of post-fur fashion, revealing a collection that did not even feature faux fur. His NYFW runway show was the first runway show after his December 2017 announcement to ditch the fur.
Calvin Klein first announced it would go fur free back in 1994, making it an industry leader in the transition to fur-less fashion. This year was no exception, and the collection highlighted synthetic fur and animal prints without the use of actual animal skins. Ralph Lauren also relied heavily on synthetic furs, and like Calvin Klein, cites “human concerns” as the primary reason for dropping fur.
Not only did coats get a humane makeover, but thanks to Gucci-owned designer Bottega Veneta, handbags and accessories are going cruelty free, too. Gucci gave up using fur in its fashions long ago and has remained progressive brand in terms cruelty free practices. Bottega Veneta takes it a step further by using a vegan, cruelty free leather material.
Many designers, including the ones mentioned above, are taking steps to phase out traditional leather, and innovations like Bottega Veneta’s will help this idea become a reality. There is still a lot of work to do to change the world of high fashion into a humane industry, but you can help by supporting the designers who are striving to change the landscape.
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Thank you; great to hear!
Thank you Tom. I have prayed for a decade to stop the madness of our animals being turned into clothing for the stupid!!! Please keep us posted how it goes over. Fur looks best on its original owner.
This is one of the BEST articles I’ve read in awhile regarding progress for animals!!!! SO THANKFUL to ALL these designers!!!! PLEASE try to influence your colleagues and peers!!! Thank-YOU!!!!!
“Please be peaceful and respectful; remember, we are here to spread compassion for all”(????). How can you show compassion to those who insist on wearing fur considering the horrific cruelty involved, they would all be flayed alive if I had my way to give them a taste of their own medicine, disgusting ugly people.
Well it’s about darn time. Too bad it took this long. But my heartfelt thanks go out to all designers who are on the bandwagon Against Animal Cruelty. Thank you!
Canada goose should step forward and discontinue their down lining and fur trim on their hoods of the coats.
Ralph Lauren is in denial. He uses tons of fur – sheep fur.
Yes it’s about time fur & leather was kept on the animals, where it belongs !!!! We wouldn’t like to be skinned now would we????
THANKS TO ALL DESIGNERS THAT ARE GOING FUR AND LEATHER FREE! It just makes sense!
A great step forward. Thank you to all the designers for caring. ❤️??????????????? Now let’s shut down all the cages and cruel breeding centres. ❤️❤️
It is high time that fur and leather are out of the fashion industry and all the designers who have opted out of fur and leather most be highly commended. Celebrities and films stars too must now ditch fur and leather. There are so many types of clothes that can be worn fashionably and with grace without having to rob the animals of their fur and skin. People, especially the wealthy must be made to realize this truth and I think it is good that most fashion designers have shown the way.
Synthetic fur is the way to go. Thanku to those fashion designers who choose synthetic fur over real fur. ?❤????????
Thank God there is still a chance for humanity
Thank all of you fashion designers for taking the kindness step. You will really make a difference. Hopefully all the others will follow your pattern of integrity. Thank you a thousand times.