Fashion serves as a powerful channel for self-expression but sadly, many people remain unaware of the suffering and harsh cruelty associated with some brands.
Every year, countless wild animals face exploitation and the grim fate of being sacrificed for the gains of fashion labels that lag behind in embracing advanced and compassionate fashion alternatives.
Wild animals such as crocodiles and various other reptiles face a horrific fate for the sake of obtaining "exotic skins". Majestic birds like ostriches are killed for both their feathers and hides.
As one of the "big four" fashion weeks, London Fashion Week plays an important role in shaping global fashion trends. In 2023, the British Fashion Council (BFC), which organises London Fashion Week, took a significant step by banning fur from all LFW activities. This was a huge victory, but the fight is far from over.
Ahead of this year's London Fashion Week, here are some of the horrors that wild animals face for the sake of clothes and accessories:
The hidden cruelty of the exotic skin trade
Crocodiles, with a natural lifespan of up to 70 years, are often killed inhumanely at just two to three years old for their skins.
This brutal practice isn't limited to crocodiles; snakes, lizards, alligators, and various other reptile species are also exploited and slaughtered to meet the demands of the fashion industry. Among these, the saltwater crocodile, known scientifically as Crocodylus porosus, is particularly prized for its skin, making it a top target in the world of luxury fashion.
Crocodiles in a confined enclosure feeding on frozen meat
Did you know...
🐊 Crocodylus porosus skins are highly sought after for their distinctive rigid, scaled texture and impressive length, making them a favourite for luxury items like bags that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
🐊 Australia is a leading contributor to this industry, with its factory farms supplying 60% of the global market for saltwater crocodile skins.
🐊 Although some farms offer slightly more space than the minimum required, many crocodiles are still confined in enclosures so tight they cannot even turn around.
🐊 Tragically, these crocodiles are killed at just two to three years old, even though they could naturally live up to 70 years.
Feathers belong to birds, not fashion
Unlike many birds, ostriches do not have a moulting season, meaning their feathers must be plucked or cut off.
As the leading source of exotic feathers, ostriches are heavily exploited by the fashion industry, with their plumage frequently used in high-end designs.
Three ostriches in the wild, where they belong
Did you know...
🪶 On farms, ostriches are often confined in overcrowded spaces and fed a controlled diet of lucerne, preventing them from expressing their natural behaviors.
🪶 Unlike most birds, ostriches do not have a moulting season, so their feathers are forcibly plucked or cut off to meet industry demands.
🪶 Ostrich skins are highly prized in the fashion world, valued for the unique, raised circular marks left behind after feather plucking.
🪶 Before slaughter, ostriches can be subjected to food deprivation for up to 24 hours, as permitted by Australian and South African farming practices.
What you can do to help
You can help by spreading the word and never buying products that are made from real fur, skin or feathers. Join our community to find out how you can take action!
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