Luxury conglomerate LVMH, together with its renowned fashion brand Fendi, has joined forces with Imperial College London and Central Saint Martins to embark on a two-year research initiative aimed at developing lab-grown fur as an ethical and sustainable alternative to real fur. This groundbreaking collaboration focuses on the potential of keratin, a protein found in natural fur, to create fibers that closely mimic the luxurious qualities of fur.
The move comes as luxury fashion brands increasingly recognize the need to find alternatives to traditional fur materials in line with the growing demand for cruelty-free and sustainable fashion. Earlier this year, Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana pledged to stop using fur entirely and adopted a new approach of collaborating with furriers to produce eco-friendly fur garments and accessories using recycled and recyclable materials.
In this project, LVMH and Fendi are partnering with experts in the field of synthetic biology and biodesign. The team includes Professor Tom Ellis from Imperial College, who specializes in synthetic biology, and Professor Carole Collet from Central Saint Martins, renowned for her expertise in biodesign. Collaborating with experts in these fields is crucial, as advances in our understanding of biological materials in recent years have made it possible to design sustainable fibers using microbes.
LVMH’s Environmental Development Director, Hélène Valade, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable luxury and mentioned that their environmental strategy involves a strong research and innovation program dedicated to inventing new materials and regenerative practices. By doing so, LVMH aims to contribute to climate and biodiversity goals.
Serge Brunschwig, Chairman and CEO of Fendi, expressed the brand’s dedication to experimentation and innovation, stating that they are continuously exploring and developing new resources for more sustainable options. This partnership between luxury fashion brands and leading academic institutions exemplifies the industry’s determination to find viable alternatives to real fur and push the boundaries of sustainable fashion.
As this field of lab-grown fur development progresses, it has the potential to revolutionize the luxury fashion industry. It offers a way to produce materials with minimal environmental impact and without the need for animal exploitation. These advancements align with the increasing consumer demand for ethically and environmentally responsible fashion.
Adding to the conversation on sustainable fashion, here are two useful links related to the topic:
1. PETA.org: Animals Used for Clothing – This link leads to the website of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an organization that sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding the use of animals in the fashion industry.
2. Business of Fashion: Fur-Free Fashion Brands Talk About Sustainability, Not Animal Welfare – This article from Business of Fashion dives deep into the motivations and actions of luxury fashion brands that have decided to go fur-free and highlights the importance of considering both sustainability and animal welfare in the industry.
