Chanel Bans Use Of Exotic Skins In Future Designs

In a bold but very necessary move in today’s society, Chanel has joined other fashion houses such as Gucci, Versace and Michael Kors to stop using exotic animal skins, like snake, crocodile, lizard and stingray in the production of their garments and accessories.

The announcement was made on the eve of Chanel’s pre-fall Metiers d’Art fashion show on Tuesday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The company’s head of fashion, Bruno Pavlovksy, said it had become harder to source pelts ethically. He also included fur in the list.

A spokeswoman for the brand told CNN that the decision was taken partly because “it is becoming increasingly difficult to source exotic skins that match our ethical standards.” The spokeswoman also added that the ban will provide “an opportunity to create a new generation of high-end products.”

Longtime creative director Karl Lagerfeld told WWD that “We did it because it’s in the air, but it’s not an air people imposed to us. It’s a free choice.”

The announcement has been welcomed by animal rights groups. A statement from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that “now it’s time for other companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow the lead of the iconic double C’s and do the same.”

By: Maytinee Kramer