Documentary SLAY exposes animal suffering in the fashion industry

Available to stream during the coveted ‘fashion month’, SLAY, from the producers of Cowspiracy, showcases investigative footage captured over the course of three years by filmmaker, Rebecca Cappelli. The documentary follows the industry’s supply chains and their impact on the environment, from water pollution to deforestation, animal cruelty and modern-day slavery. 

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Bringing together a host of experts and campaigners, including Founding Director of Collective Fashion Justice, Emma Håkansson, viewers are taken inside factories and farms to uncover the dark side of fashion. By highlighting the extent of greenwashing in the fashion industry, SLAY debunks myths about animal skins being a sustainable material. 

Rebecca Cappelli, Director and Producer of SLAY said: 

“The suffering of animals in the fashion industry is greenwashed into oblivion while those skin industries are destroying the planet and harming people. SLAY aims to challenge the notion that animal skins are a fabric, and open people's eyes to the dark realities behind some of the most sought after skins in fashion.”  

But there is hope, consumers are shifting towards brands which do not profit from animal cruelty, and alternatives to animal skins are growing year on year - solutions vary from puffer jackets made from 100% recycled bottles, animal-free leather developed from pineapple leaf, mushroom or apple, to plant-based wool grown from flowers. 

It’s time for the fashion industry to align its practices with public expectations. World Animal Protection is campaigning for an end to the exploitation of wild animals as commodities. Millions of wild animals are caged, abused, and slaughtered for their skin, fur, or feathers every year for profit. Given the suffering involved, and the alternatives available, this is indefensible.

Millions of wild animals are caged, abused, and slaughtered for their skin, fur, or feathers every year for profit.