Animal cruelty is one of the most discussed topics in the fashion industry at the moment. Aside from diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability, brands are also trying to bring justice to animals, and stop using them as a source for clothing, shoes, and accessories. One of the most popular retailers, ASOS, is introducing a huge change to their policy. By the end of January 2019, the online retailer pledges to eliminate all of the products that include silk, cashmere, mohair, and feathers. In other words, they are making a strong step towards protecting silkworms, ducks, goats, and geese.
These four animal-derived materials are often used by numerous fashion houses and labels. Not many customers are aware how the widespread use of these fabrics affects the animals in the most negative way. Luckily, the issues of animal cruelty are becoming more evident, and a lot of brands are joining join the fight for sustainability.
The American animal rights organization PETA strongly praised ASOS’ decision. The brand’s online shop includes more than 850 international labels and is one of the most popular retailers. They followed the decision of Marks and Spencer, Topshop and H&M, who have also announced they will be staying away from mohair. Just recently PETA discovered the cruel techniques used in the mohair industry in South Africa, which led many brands to adopt this resolution.
“PETA applauds ASOS for leading the charge for compassion in fashion. In response to Peta’s campaigns, consumers are changing the face of the industry by demanding that designers and retailers ditch animal-derived materials in favor of cruelty-free alternatives that look great without causing suffering.’- said the director of corporate projects at PETA, Yvonne Taylor.
ASOS already introduced the changes on their website. All of the items that contain silk, mohair, cashmere, and feathers are on sale until the whole stock is cleared. They decided to put all of these clothing pieces, shoes, and accessories on discount, so that the shop will have a fresh start in January 2019.
“ASOS firmly believes it is not acceptable for animals to suffer in the name of fashion or cosmetics. ASOS is committed to working with industry expert groups to support the ongoing research, development, and implementation of animal welfare standards and transparency in the leather supply chain.”- says the retailer’s animal policy on their official website.
In the past year, a lot of luxury fashion houses pledged to stop the use of fur in their designs. Versace, Michael Kors, Gucci, and Furla are joining the ranks of Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger in the fight for the animal rights.
Photo Credit: ASOS
Alessandro Michele of Gucci is continuously collaborating with talented artists. If you take a look at the brand’s Instagram you’ll see that Gucci’s recent campaigns are literally a piece of art. Digital painter Ignasi Monreal has a series of collaborations with Gucci from the surreal Spring 2018 campaign to the limited edition capsule #GucciHallucinations. The designer again teamed up with a group of talented artists for the newest Gucci DIY collection. Thanks to the Italian fashion house customers will once again have a chance to buy wearable art.
The cool names that are part of this project include Coco Capitan (the same artist that created the infamous Gucci “Common sense is not that common” t-shirt), Ignasi Monreal who has been working with Gucci for few years now, Angelica Hicks, Soko (the coolest French chic around who is also known for her unique music), William Ndatila, Trevor Andrew, Unskilled Worker, Jayde Fish, Phannapast, Adrian Kozakiewicz, Alex Merry and Amanda Charchian. Gucci first introduced the DIY Program about 2 years ago where customers were able to customize their own Dionysus bag with patches, embroidery, hardware, and trims. The details customers could add included Gucci’s recognizable bumblebees, butterflies, lizards roses, peonies, dragonflies, and snakes. Monogramming was offered with Swarovski crystals in a range of colors. The Ophidia totes and Ace sneakers can still be personalized with letters in a range of colors and materials. You could check all the options for customizing on the brand’s website.
The latest Gucci DIY collection allowed the 12 contributors to get creative with Gucci’s Ophidia tote and Ace sneakers and come up with their signature versions of these iconic styles. According to the fashion house the final designs ” connect their artistic style and individuality to the customizable #GucciOphidia tote and #GucciAce sneakers.” The artists included their initials on these recognizable Gucci pieces and presented their recreations through vibrant illustrations and innovative shots. Gucci is focused on Instagram campaigns lately that get a lot of attention. Phannapast, Unskilled Worker, and Ignasi Monreal came up with some of the most explosive illustrations for this campaign. In fact, all of the artists made sure to put together eye-catching materials that people won’t be able to miss while scrolling through their feed.
According to the brand “The project embodies the philosophy of Gucci DIY: championing the idea of self-expression.” The new Gucci DIY collection is available for purchase on the fashion house’s website.
Photo Credit: Gucci
