This week, luxury fashion brand Prada banned kangaroo leather from its future collections. The fashion brand confirmed to Italian animal-rights group LAV—who petitioned Prada and others to stop buying the cruelly begotten animal material—that it will no longer sell items made with kangaroo skins and has not used them in its designs for more than one year.
Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) applauded Prada’s decision and urged the luxury brand to ban other exotic animal skins from its collections. “Behind every accessory made with kangaroo leather or other exotic skins is a sentient animal who died a horrifying death,” Yvonne Taylor, PETA’s Director of Corporate Projects, said. “Prada Group’s decision will spare kangaroos immense suffering—and PETA calls on the company to extend its compassion to all exotic animals.” Prada joins a number of labels that no longer sell kangaroo leather, including Versace, Victoria Beckham, Chanel, and Paul Smith.
Last month, a months-long investigation compiled by nonprofit the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE) revealed that more than 100 retailers and online stores are selling soccer shoes made with kangaroo skins in violation of California Penal Code § 653o—which went into effect in 2016 and prohibits the sale and import of athletic shoes made with kangaroo leather with penalties of up to $5,000 and six months in jail for each violation. The companies implicated in CHE’s investigation include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nike, and New Balance, and a large group of others which can be found on the nonprofit’s “no buy” list here.
As an expert with a deep understanding of animal rights and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of animal materials in fashion, I can attest to the significance of recent developments in the industry, particularly the decision by luxury fashion brand Prada to ban kangaroo leather from its future collections. My expertise in this field is grounded in extensive research, ongoing monitoring of industry trends, and a commitment to promoting ethical practices within the fashion world.
Prada's move to discontinue the use of kangaroo skins in its designs aligns with a broader shift in the industry towards more sustainable and cruelty-free practices. The confirmation to the Italian animal-rights group LAV, coupled with the acknowledgment that Prada has abstained from using kangaroo leather for over a year, demonstrates a commitment to ethical sourcing and animal welfare.
The involvement of prominent animal-rights groups, such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), adds weight to the significance of Prada's decision. PETA's Director of Corporate Projects, Yvonne Taylor, emphasizes the cruelty associated with exotic animal skins, shedding light on the impact of the fashion industry on sentient beings.
It's worth noting that Prada is not alone in its stance against kangaroo leather. Other influential fashion labels, including Versace, Victoria Beckham, Chanel, and Paul Smith, have also abandoned the use of kangaroo skins in their products. This collective shift underscores a growing awareness and acknowledgment within the fashion community regarding the ethical implications of sourcing materials from certain animals.
The article also highlights a recent investigation by the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ethical business practices. The investigation reveals that over 100 retailers and online stores, including well-known brands like Dick's Sporting Goods, Nike, and New Balance, are allegedly violating California Penal Code § 653o by selling soccer shoes made with kangaroo skins. This legal prohibition, enacted in 2016, aims to curb the sale and import of athletic shoes made from kangaroo leather, imposing penalties of up to $5,000 and six months in jail for each violation.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, as evidenced by Prada's decision and the findings of the CHE investigation, reflects a broader societal shift towards more ethical and sustainable practices. The engagement of major fashion players and advocacy groups further emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and enforcing regulations to ensure the humane treatment of animals in the production of consumer goods.
