Chanel Bans Fur and Reptile Skin

Iconic French fashion brand Chanel announced it would no longer use fur and skins derived from crocodiles, lizards, and snakes after pressure from animal-rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). A spokesperson for the luxury brand explained to CNN that Chanel acknowledges these animal skins cannot be sourced ethically and, therefore, they no longer meet the company’s standards. “At Chanel, we are continually reviewing our supply chains to ensure they meet our expectations of integrity and traceability,” the spokesperson said. “In this context, it is our experience that it is becoming increasingly difficult to source exotic skins which match our ethical standards.” The company characterized its new policy as “an opportunity to create a new generation of high-end products.” Chanel joins a growing list of fashion labels that have banned the use of fur and other animal products in recent years, including Versace, Gucci, and Donna Karan. PETA is urging other companies to follow suit. “For decades, PETA has called on the brand to opt for luxury, cruelty-free fashion that no animal had to suffer and die for,” PETA executive vice president Tracey Reiman said. “And now it’s time for other companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow the lead of the iconic double C’s and do the same.”