Chanel bans use of fur and exotic animal skins

Chanel will no longer use animal fur and exotic skins in its collections, becoming the latest renowned fashion brand to ban the use of animal pelts in its designs. 

A spokeswoman for Chanel told CNN on Tuesday that the French fashion house will stop using animal fur in addition to exotic skins such as lizard, crocodile and snake in its production of garments and accessories. 

The spokeswoman told CNN the decision was made in part for the brand to maintain its ethical standards, adding that obtaining the products did not meet the fashion house’s principles.

{mosads}“At Chanel, we are continually reviewing our supply chains to ensure they meet our expectations of integrity and traceability,” she continued. “In this context, it is our experience that it is becoming increasingly difficult to source exotic skins which match our ethical standards.”

She also said that the new policy provides “an opportunity to create a new generation of high-end products.” 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) welcomed the renowned brand’s decision as a victory.

Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, told CNN that the “champagne corks are popping at PETA, thanks to Chanel’s announcement that it’s kicking fur and exotic skins — including crocodile, lizard, and snake skin — to the curb.” 

“For decades, PETA has called on the brand to opt for luxury, cruelty-free fashion that no animal had to suffer and die for, and now it’s time for other companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow the lead of the iconic double C’s and do the same,” she continued.

As the network notes, Karl Lagerfeld, the company’s current creative director who assumed the role 12 years after the death of the company’s founder, Coco Chanel, has a history of using animal skins in his designs.

The move comes a year after Gucci announced it would no longer use mink, raccoon, fox or any other animal that was bred or caught for its fur in its designs.

Renowned designer Giorgio Armani similarly announced in 2016 that his brands would not use fur in its designs, “reflecting our attention to the critical issues of protecting and caring for the environment and animals.”