The animal rights organization PETA recently held its Fashion Awards, where it recognized and celebrated brands that are making significant efforts to promote sustainability and animal-friendly practices within the fashion industry. Among the honored brands were Balenciaga, Gucci, Isabel Marant, and Ganni.
Balenciaga received the Best Luxury Product award for its use of the Lunaform material, developed by the American startup Gozen. The brand’s summer 2024 collection featured a robe-coat made from this sustainable textile, which is derived from nanocellulose and is vegan and GMO-free. This recognition highlights Balenciaga’s commitment to innovation and environmentally-friendly fashion.
Isabel Marant was awarded the Best Luxury Moment prize, applauding the brand’s decision to stop using angora, fur, and exotic skins. By taking a stand against the use of animal products, Isabel Marant demonstrates its dedication to ethical fashion and animal welfare.
Gucci was honored with the Best Vegan Bag prize for its Demetra Horsebit 1955 model. This bag is made using eco-friendly materials, including hemp sourced from a certified supply chain, Econyl (an alternative to nylon made from waste materials like old fishing nets), and the vegan material Demetra. Gucci’s commitment to using sustainable and cruelty-free materials exemplifies its dedication to responsible fashion.
Ganni, a popular fashion house, was named “Pioneer of the Year” for its efforts in designing a jacket made from Celium, a leather alternative created from bacterial cellulose and Polybion. Ganni was also commended for its collaboration with Ohoskin, a company that produces plant-based leather alternatives. These initiatives highlight Ganni’s commitment to finding innovative and sustainable solutions in fashion.
Additional brands recognized for their commitments include MoEa, a sneaker brand, Bananatex, a company specializing in biomaterials, Blue District, a label focused on sustainability, and Christian MacLeod, a brand dedicated to ethical practices.
These awards showcase the efforts made by these brands to promote sustainability and animal welfare within the fashion industry. By prioritizing the use of alternative materials and responsible manufacturing processes, these brands are setting an example for the rest of the industry and encouraging others to make more ethical choices. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental and animal welfare impact of their fashion choices, it is essential for brands to adopt sustainable practices to remain relevant in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
Useful links:
1. PETA Official Website
2. Balenciaga Official Website
