“And as a modern luxury brand, I am pleased to confirm today that we have banned the use of exotics in future collections, building on the commitments we made a number of years ago to go fur-free.”

British fashion label Burberry has confirmed it is ditching exotic skins from all its future collections.

The label banned fur and angora in 2018. The latest move comes after a seven-year campaign by PETA entities urging the brand to drop products made with python and alligator skins.

The vegan charity also purchased stock in the fashion company during the COVID-19 market downturn and took the call for a ban on exotic skins to the company’s annual meeting.

‘Resolute in our commitment to make a positive difference’

Confirming the move in Burberry’s fiscal year 2022 earnings call, chief operating and financial officer Julie Brown said: “ We remain resolute in our commitment to make a positive difference to people, planet, and communities, and the strong foundations we’ve set underpin our new ambition to be climate positive by 2040.

“And as a modern luxury brand, I am pleased to confirm today that we have banned the use of exotics in future collections, building on the commitments we made a number of years ago to go fur-free.”

‘Nothing chic’ about animal abuse

 PETA – which has released several exposes of the exotic skin industry – welcomed the news with ‘joy’.

Mimi Bekhechi, is PETA UK’s vice president. She said: “During Burberry’s annual meeting last year, PETA UK asked when it would make good on its commitment to be ‘a force for good in the world’ by banning exotic skins, and we’re delighted that after years of pressure from PETA entities around the world, that day is today!

“There is nothing chic about an industry in which alligators are hacked open, pythons are inflated with air compressors, and lizards are decapitated for garments and accessories.”

Bekhechi continued that the charity is excited to see the iconic brand join Calvin Klein, Chanel, Jil Sander, Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckam, and other top designers in giving exotic skins the boot.

She added: “The few irresponsible outliers still using exotics, such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Gucci, are not just profiting from the exploitation and slaughter of animals but also playing Russian roulette with public health, given that experts – including the United Nations and the World Health Organization – have warned that the next pandemic could well come from the fashion industry. The future of fashion is vegan, and those failing to embrace that will be hung out to dry, like yesterday’s laundry.”

• Read: Global vegan beauty brand Aveda is cruelty-free certified

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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