For generations, fashion statements were made at the cost of animal lives. Some animals were actually hunted into extinction just to make sure those who were the fashion trend setters had supplies for their clothing and footwear.
Granted, there were not a lot of alternatives for such things as footwear, since rope or fiber sandals were not readily available. most of the rest of clothing and accessories could be manufactured without resorting to the hunting and killing of animals. Even the industries which made use of farm mink or otter were becoming less and less acceptable to those who actively practiced eco-friendly fashions.
New technological developments made it easier to stop depending upon animal deaths to make a fashion statement. For instance, man-made fibers such as nylon and rayon came on the scene and it is less common to find a 100 percent cotton garment in the marketplace of today. However, the cotton growers of America use 100% cotton as part of their advertising campaign. Fiber blends are much more common, such as polyester and cotton, or polyester, cotton and rayon blends promise less wrinkling, more stain resistance plus price characteristics.
Furs and exotic animal skins made into coats are another ecological no-no. It required many of the major stars to publicly refuse to wear clothing which came from the skins of exotic animals, before it became the popular thing to do. Fake furs became trendy, replacing zebra, mink, otter, and fox among others.
Jewelry made of elephant tusks and walrus tusks were frowned upon, although this is a battle that is not yet formulated in the minds of many.
So, at present, there are giant strides being made against the use of animal skins or products in the fashion industry. At present, none of the products are marketed publicly, except where we speak of shoes and handbags. Genuine leather shoes are still the higher priced norm for quality. Italian shoe firms wanted to start moving to a partially man made product; hence leather uppers and alternative other maker sources. Now though, man made materials, contrary to previously are made so they 'breathe'. Indeed, it may be difficult in some instances to tell the many made materials from actual leather products.
The exotic leathers such as snakeskin still seem be acceptable alternative leathers for men's boots. Somehow, it just is more difficult to get worked up over the death of a snake than the death of a cow. Women's handbags and men's wallets have also replaced leather with certain other man made materials.
Since many of the eco-friendly fashion proponents are also vegetarian, they must be admired for their consistent stand.
At present, most fashion designers do not blatantly use animal skins, particularly exotic animals in their presentations to the industry and to buyers. However, leather shoes are still quite common and in fact, the accepted norm for most shoes, belts and handbags for women. In addition, there are a few major designers at present who have publicly announced their niche in fashion design as benign.
