14 years after Selfridges banned fur, they are now taking a massive leap and banning exotic skins. By 2020 will have no exotic skins in site, the British brand prides themselves on being a “responsible retailer and a trusted curator of brands”. They will only sell leather from agricultural livestock.
For a brighter future | As part of our commitment to Buying Better, Inspiring Change, we will phase out the sale of exotic skins completely by 2020. Ethics and sustainability are at the heart of all our decisions – to respect our planet and protect our future. pic.twitter.com/UkWw4PWlgR
— Selfridges (@Selfridges) February 26, 2019
Selfridges’ buying director, Sebastian Manes, said: “I am proud to confirm that exotic skins will no longer be available to purchase at Selfridges as of February 2020.”
“We will continue in our ambition to inspire our brands and customers through thoughtful, ethical and transparent buying strategies.”
Animal charity, Humane Society International, have responded to the news, saying:“
“It is wonderful to see Selfridges end the sale of exotic skins, a move that will save countless crocodiles and snakes from losing their lives.
“When Selfridges went fur-free more than a decade ago, it positioned itself as a retailer at the forefront of compassionate fashion. Banning exotic skins in recognition of the serious animal welfare issues that exist in this industry is a natural next step for a responsible retailer.
“Selfridges, Victoria Beckham and Chanel banning exotic skins within weeks of each other raises the bar in compassionate fashion and illustrates a shift in the industry towards innovative, high-end animal-free fabrics. We look forward to seeing more designers make the same ethical choice to stop subjecting exotic creatures to cruelty, and leave them in the wild where they belong.”
They are not the first major brand to do this, earlier this year Chanel and Victoria Beckham made moves to ban exotic skins.
In a statement, the brand confirmed, “Victoria Beckham will cease the use of exotic skins in all collections as of AW19. The Victoria Beckham brand has never used fur in its clothing or accessories collections and confirmed last year that the brand will remain fur-free.”
Other brands that are exotic skins-free include Arcadia Group (which owns Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins, amongst others), ASOS, H&M, Mango, Nike and PUMA.
