Selfridges, the iconic British department store known for its luxury offerings, has made a bold and commendable move by officially deciding to ban the sale of exotic skins in their stores, starting from next year. This landmark decision follows their earlier ban on fur back in 2005, showcasing their dedication to upholding ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Moving forward, Selfridges will no longer carry products made from exotic skins such as python, alligator, crocodile, and lizard. Instead, they will exclusively use skins sourced from agricultural livestock like cows, sheep, pigs, goats, and water buffalo in their leather products. This shift is in alignment with the store’s ambitious target to have at least half of its products classified as “better for people and planet” by 2022.
The decision to ban exotic skins comes amidst mounting pressure on luxury brands from prominent animal rights groups such as PETA and the Humane Society International to discontinue the use of these materials in their collections. Selfridges’ proactive stance on this issue reflects the broader industry trend towards embracing more ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
Sebastian Manes, the buying director at Selfridges, emphasized the company’s mission to inspire both brands and customers through ethical and transparent sourcing practices. This latest ban on exotic skins underscores Selfridges’ ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact by reducing plastic usage and phasing out single-use plastics across its operations.
Commending Selfridges for taking a stand against the exploitation of exotic animals for their skins, Claire Bass, Executive Director of HSI/UK, highlighted the positive impact this decision will have in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable species like crocodiles and snakes. By banning exotic skins, Selfridges reinforces its commitment to promoting responsible and compassionate fashion choices.
The move to ban exotic skins aligns Selfridges with other major fashion players such as Victoria Beckham and Chanel, who have also recently announced similar bans on these materials. This collective shift towards ethical and sustainable fashion practices signals a transformative change in the industry. Selfridges’ decision to align with this movement further cements its reputation as a trailblazer in the realm of ethical and sustainable fashion.
For more information on Selfridges’ sustainability initiatives, visit their official website here.
To explore ethical fashion options and learn about sustainable shopping choices, visit the Humane Society International’s website here.
