Chanel Goes Green: The End of Exotic Skins in Luxury Fashion
In a surprising and warm‑bulb moment for animal lovers, Chanel has ditched its use of lizard, crocodile and snake skins. The iconic Parisian house, known for its chic handbags and diva runway looks, announced that “we will no longer use exotic skins in our future creations.”
Why the Switch?
Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s head of fashion, said sourcing high‑quality pelts ethically had become a true headache. “You can’t keep sneaking around the market for the perfect exotic hide without bumping into animal‑rights alarms,” he explained, hinting that the brand could no longer tolerate the ethical gray‑areas.
How Expensive Was the Old Lineup?
- Snake skin bags, allopresent in the runway, could fetch up to 9,000 euros ($13,978).
- The collection also featured alligator and stingray leather on handbags, coats and shoes.
- Python‑based accessories were the star of the sale, with rare bags going for more than 5,500 euros on secondhand sites.
Public and Animal‑Rights Reaction
- PETA swore the brand had finally “cut the cord” to the luxury industry’s fur‑syndrome.
- The Humane Society International (HSI) celebrated the decision, calling it a “bold leap forward” that could save countless reptiles from suffering.
- HSI’s Claire Bass urged other houses—Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton—to follow suit.
Meanwhile, Chanel didn’t mention fur in its official stance, focusing solely on the discontinuation of crocodile, lizard, snake, and stingray skins. In a tongue‑in‑cheek nod, veteran designer Karl Lagerfeld joked that he’d hardly seen any fur appear on Chanel’s catwalks, a subtle hint that the entire brand had been on a “fur‑free” path for a while.
How This Move Fits Into the Bigger Picture
The fashion world has been pressing tight on fur for years. Gucci, Armani, Versace, and John Galliano, to name just a few, have all turned away from animal skins. But Chanel’s sudden switch to a new generation of “ultra‑luxurious” faux materials was a shock to the industry. In the world of luxury, some brands even own reptile farms to guarantee ethical sourcing, but animal‑rights campaigns have still struggled to stop “snake‑skin chic” from warming hearts.
What’s Next for Chanel?
With the exotic skins on their way out, Chanel is focusing on developing eco‑friendly fibers that still deliver high glamour without hurting any creature. They’re hopping onto the sustainable trend like a runway model jumping onto a catwalk—only this time the feline is the planet.
Takeaway
By ditching exotic skins, Chanel not only sends a powerful statement that high style and compassion can coexist, but it also keeps a part of the planet safe from painful ends. Fashion’s future is looking a little less cruel, one chic bag at a time.
