London Fashion Week to ban exotic skins on the runway | Sustainability News UK

London Fashion Week has announced a ban on exotic animal skins, expanding its previous prohibition on fur. Starting from its next edition, brands wishing to participate in the event must avoid using crocodile, snake, or other wild animal leathers in their collections.

The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) deputy director for policy and engagement, David Leigh-Pemberton, revealed this update during a parliamentary address. The decision aligns with growing advocacy for ethical fashion practices and follows a decade-long industry shift toward fur-free collections.

While exotic leathers like crocodile and snakeskin have traditionally been used for high-margin luxury goods, their appeal has faced growing scrutiny. Several major fashion brands, including Burberry, have already opted to stop using exotic skins in favor of ethical alternatives. Burberry announced its commitment to ditch exotic leathers in 2022.

This ban is part of the BFC’s Institute of Positive Fashion’s broader effort to set higher ethical and sustainability standards. Additionally, the organization is exploring guidelines on using feathers in runway shows, with animal welfare activists urging for a completely wildlife-free policy.

With similar moves by Copenhagen, Berlin, and Melbourne fashion weeks, London continues to position itself at the forefront of ethical fashion advocacy.