In 2021 and beyond, the consumer demand for ethical products, services, and of course, fashion continued to rise. As shoppers make more ethical choices, brands are following suit, implementing new sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and cruelty-free materials and manufacturing processes in their garments. From streetwear to luxury fashion (Gucci and Valentino to name a few), brands are making major statements about their stance on animal-based materials - and PETA has been taking note.
Every year, the animal welfare organisation honours the labels, style icons, and forward-thinking designers that are pushing the way for a fashion industry that is less harmful to animals and friendlier to the environment.
These were some of the winners at the 2021 PETA Fashion Awards:
Kering for Biggest Fur-Free Moment
Kering, the group that houses brands such as Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent, won the award for Biggest Fur Free Moment. The company is setting the standard for other luxury fashion labels by banning the use of fur in all their brands.
Valentino and Armani for Best Luxury Moment
Meanwhile, fellow luxury brands Valentino and Armani made the decision to ditch the use of angora fur in their designs. Angora, which is known as one of the most luxurious fibres in the world, is obtained by pulling the hair out of rabbits. As PETA puts it, “The cruelly-produced fur has fallen out of fashion.”
Gucci’s Demetra for Best Innovation Award
Gucci has entered the vegan space. The Italian fashion label has created Demetra, it’s own in-house vegan leather. The new textile, which is crafted from 77% raw plant-based materials and will be in the production of more ethical and animal-friendly Gucci accessories.
Nike and Ananas Anam for Best Collaboration Award
The iconic sportswear brand teamed up with material innovation company Ananas Anam for their ‘Happy Pineapple’ sneaker collection. The collection will make use of Pinatex - a vegan leather made from pineapple leaf fibres. The eco-conscious range will include updated versions of some of adidas’ most classic designs.
Adidas Stan Smith for Vegan Glow Up
Always at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, adidas’ cult classic, the Stan Smith, has had a vegan glow up. A whole range of the stylish tennis shoe is now available in vegan materials.
Stella McCartney for Best Vegan Bag
Veteran vegan fashion designer Stella McCartney continues to lead the way. Teh designer’s Frame Mylo bag made from mycelium leather derived from mushrooms.
Other notable winners include womens footwear brand Allkind for Best Vegan Shoe , as well as Elisabetta Franchi who won the special achievement award for its commitment to being free from fur, angora, and feathers as well as launching leather-free collections.
According to PETA Director, Elisa Allen, everybody in fashion wants to join the cruelty-free revolution - from luxury houses such as Gucci to casual sportswear brands like adidas. “With these awards, the PETA Fashion Awards is celebrating the designers helping to keep cruelty off the runway,” she concludes.
