2022 Unwrapped: Animals in fASHion
From big wins to small steps, together we’re wearing it kind and making a difference!
With the holidays just around the corner we wanted to share a look back on some of the key events that have brought us closer towards a compassionate fashion industry in 2022 and share some animal-friendly gifting tips to help you wave in a kinder 2023.
2022 highlights
In numbers
60 major brands
(almost) have now signed FOUR PAWS’ ‘Brand Letter of Intent’ committing to end their use of Mulesed sheep wool, while also calling on the Australian wool industry to end the horrific practice. These include Adidas, Hugo Boss and Marks & Spencer!)
50,000 supporters
took action, ran marathons, sent emails and protested, calling on Nike – the biggest sportswear manufacturer, to #EndMulesing! Together we’ll continue to call on Nike to take responsibility for the welfare of sheep in their supply chains in 2023.
1,600 brands
Have committed to becoming fur-free brands and joined the list which now includes Frasers Group, Dolce & Gabbana and Moncler
Fur farm rescues
In November, two raccoon dogs, Asami and Emi, along with foxes Skadi, Mala (pictured below) and Samara were rescued from a Polish fur farm and relocated to TIERART Wild Animal Sanctuary, run by FOUR PAWS. Their second chance at life is a timely reminder that millions of animals still suffer for the sake of our clothes. Thankfully, TIERART’s newest residents are adjusting happily to their wonderful new life outside of a cage.
See you later, alligator
Thankfully, big brands such as American Express, Burberry and Moda Operandi took positive steps forward this year and have now banned exotic leather! The fight for alligators, crocodiles, pythons, lizards, and many other wild species, will continue into 2023.
Plant Power
This year there has been a boom in the discovery and development of animal-friendly materials. Earlier this year, The FIBRAL Material Alliance was established to expand the use of innovative plant-based materials like pineapple waste, cacti, hemp and more. Luxury brands have even been exploring lab-grown fur, and inspired by fashion brand Ganni’s commitment to end their use of animal leather by 2023, Bolt Threads kicked off the Greener Pastures initiative to get more brands to switch to leather made out of mushrooms instead!
Stepping up standards
Investigative footage released by FOUR PAWS this year, revealed the barbaric realities of live plucking is still a major problem. As well as highlighting animal-friendly alternatives to down, FOUR PAWS is engaging with key down animal welfare certifiers to strengthen their standards and auditing processes.
What can you do?
The holidays are often a time of giving, be that with your time or with gifts! If gifting fashion items are on your list, here are just a few ways to help your friends and family #WearitKind this season.
Become label savvy!
We love organic cotton, linen, recycled animal-free materials, plant fibres such as hemp, sustainable viscose and more. Have a read of our latest shopping guide here and don’t be afraid to double check whether your favourite brands are naughty or nice using the Good On You brand directory.
Use your buying power for good
Take advantage of the innovative, stylish and animal-friendly brands that are rolling out alternatives. Cactus or apple skin leathers are increasingly popular alternatives in boots and bags and for clothes that perform, shop ‘down-free’ brands who opt for cruelty free materials in their jackets.
Try the 80:20 rule
Shop 80% pre-loved and 20% new and kind. You may be surprised by the bargains you’ll find at your nearest charity shop. Not only will this be kinder on your wallet, but it’ll be kinder for animals and the planet too.
What a year for animal welfare in fashion! From all of us at FOUR PAWS we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!
