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The Karl Lagerfeld brand has banned the use of exotic skins, according to PETA.
The vegan charity described the move as ‘business-savvy’, saying it could save human lives as well as animal lives. This is because experts have warned the trade in snake, crocodile, and other exotic-animal skins could fuel the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
This decision follows the brand banning fur last year – which PETA says follows communications between itself and the brand. The charity adds that before his death, Lagerfeld was creative director at Chanel, which banned fur and exotic skins in 2018.
Exotic skins
According to PETA, it sent Karl Lagerfeld the findings of its undercover investigations into the exotic-skins industry, which found snakes ‘nailed to trees’ as they were skinned alive, as well as the mistreatment of alligators and ostriches.
Speaking about the pandemic dangers of the exotic skin trade, PETA says: “The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have originated in a Chinese wet market where wild animals, both dead and alive, were sold for consumption.
“Many such markets are still operating. The intensive farming of wild animals for their skin and flesh results in animal-to-human transmission of newly evolved viruses. Experts warn that exotic-animal farms are breeding grounds for pathogens, increasing the risk of future pandemics.”
‘Business-savvy step’
“Karl Lagerfeld has taken a business-savvy step by discontinuing the use of skins stolen from wild animals, and the company may just save some human lives in the process,” PETA director of corporate projects, Yvonne Taylor, said in a statement sent to Plant Based News.
“Kind shoppers can do their part by opting for the latest fashions in vegan clothing and accessories, knowing that no animal was killed for them.”
Karl Lagerfeld joins Mulberry, Diane von Furstenberg, Paul Smith, Victoria Beckham, Vivienne Westwood, and many others in banning exotic skins.
