According to animal rights organization PETA, Helsinki Fashion Week will no longer showcase clothing and leather accessories in its upcoming edition in July 2019. Although Helsinki may not be a fashion capital like Paris, Milan, London, and New York, it is currently gaining attention in the fashion industry. The organizers of the traditional Fashion Week have decided to abandon the use of leather in their fashion shows after receiving a letter from PETA UK urging them to make the change.
This decision makes Helsinki Fashion Week a pioneer in the fashion scene as it becomes the first to prohibit the presentation of leather items. Cyril Ernst, spokesperson for PETA France, expressed excitement about seeing vegan and animal-friendly materials on the Helsinki runways in 2019 and beyond.
While Helsinki Fashion Week takes a bold step, it remains uncertain if other prominent fashion cities like Paris, London, or Milan are willing to follow suit. However, many designers and well-known fashion houses have recently announced their abandonment of animal fur in their collections. This includes designers such as Gucci, Versace, Michael Kors, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, The Kooples, Calvin Klein, DKNY, and John Galliano. Stella McCartney has long been known for her commitment to avoiding the use of animal skins, including leather, in all of her collections.
This shift towards cruelty-free fashion aligns with the growing trend in the industry, as more consumers become conscious of the ethical and environmental implications of using animal-based materials. With high-profile brands leading the way, it is likely that other fashion weeks and designers will consider adopting similar practices, potentially leading to a fashion month without any animal leather. Helsinki Fashion Week’s decision showcases its dedication to being at the forefront of this movement and sets a powerful example for the fashion industry as a whole.
Useful links:
1. PETA
2. Stella McCartney
