5 brands paving the way for a wildlife-free fashion industry

Behind all of the glitz and glamour of the catwalk, millions of animals endure unimaginable suffering. From fur farms to the skin trade, the industry’s reliance on wild animal products is outdated and cruel. 

While there have been some small wins in recent times, such as London Fashion Week banning fur (but not other wild animal products), many fashion events continue to showcase clothing that depends on the slaughter of helpless wild animals. This not only perpetuates cruelty but also ignores the growing demand for ethical and sustainable alternatives.

Fortunately, a new wave of designers and brands is leading the charge, proving that fashion can be both stylish and wildlife-free. Here are five fashion brands and designers who are setting the standard for a kinder, more compassionate industry.

Stella McCartney 

Stella McCartney has long been synonymous with cruelty-free fashion. McCartney’s brand has never used leather, fur, feathers, or skins since its inception in 2001. Instead, she focuses on innovative materials like vegetarian leather, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. More recently, McCartney unveiled a sleeveless bodysuit adorned with bioplastic sequins made from tree cellulose. 

Matt & Nat 

Matt & Nat, short for “Material and Nature,” is a Canadian brand that has been championing vegan fashion since 1995. Their collections, which include handbags, shoes, and accessories, are entirely free from animal products. Matt & Nat is known for its use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled nylon, cork, and rubber. Even the linings of their bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. This brand shows that ethical fashion can also be environmentally conscious and leave wild animals in the wild, where they belong. 

Vaute Couture 

Vaute Couture is one of the first brands to focus exclusively on vegan fashion. Specialising in high-performance outerwear, Vaute Couture uses sustainable materials like recycled fibres and organic cotton to create stylish, cruelty-free clothing. Their mission is to demonstrate that fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of animals or the planet, and the brand’s innovative designs have made a significant impact on the industry. 

Allkind 

Allkind is a British vegan footwear brand that has quickly made a name for itself in the world of sustainable fashion. Committed to producing 100% vegan products, Allkind uses innovative materials like eco-friendly faux leather and recycled fabrics to create elegant, timeless shoes – no need for crocodile skins here!  

Brave GentleMan 

Brave GentleMan is a menswear brand that combines high fashion with ethical principles. As the world’s first vegan luxury menswear label, Brave GentleMan uses materials like recycled polyester and high-tech microfibers to create sophisticated, cruelty-free clothing and accessories. The brand’s designs offer a modern, stylish alternative to traditional menswear, proving that fashion can evolve without harming animals. 

Why cruelty-free fashion is the only way forward 

The fashion industry’s reliance on animal products isn’t just harmful, it’s also totally unnecessary. With the rise of innovative, sustainable materials, there’s no longer any excuse for using wild animal products. Brands like those listed above are showing the world that fashion can be compassionate, stylish, and sustainable. 

While events like London Fashion Week have taken steps to ban fur, they still allow other forms of wildlife exploitation, such as the use of feathers. This inconsistency highlights the need for a broader shift in the industry. With the option of wildlife-free alternatives, fashion can move away from its outdated dependence on animal suffering and towards a future that respects all living beings. 

How you can make a difference 

As consumers, we have the power to drive change. By supporting brands that prioritise animal welfare and sustainability, we can help create a fashion industry that embraces a future without animal cruelty. Whether you’re shopping for a luxury handbag, a pair of stylish shoes, or a warm winter coat, choosing wildlife-free options is a powerful statement.