Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Others Ban Exotic Skins
After over a decade of urging from PETA US, PVH Corp – the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein – has banned exotic-animal skins. Its representative told PETA US that the decision is part of its “long-term strategy to drive fashion forward for good”.
The move follows discussions with both designers about the wildlife trade’s connection to contagious diseases like COVID-19. In thanks, PETA US sent PVH a box of gourmet vegan chocolates.
Exotic Skins Could Spark the Next Pandemic
A PETA exposé of a farm in Vietnam revealed crocodiles packed together in filthy conditions. Vietnam exports around 30,000 crocodile skins every year.
This is life – and death – for many victims of the fashion industry, whose skins are used to make “luxury” leather bags, belts, and watch straps sold around the world. Animals imprisoned in close quarters take out their aggression on one another, and injuries commonly lead to infection and disease.
The images of workers in blood-soaked abattoirs are reminiscent of the filthy, cramped wet market where scientists believe the novel coronavirus originated. At such markets, animals such as snakes and lizards, also used for their skin in fashion, can be bought for consumption.
Wet market
Exotic skins farm
Animals Suffer for Exotic Skins
Crocodiles, lizards, and snakes may be poached from their natural habitats or raised on squalid farms and killed in the most gruesome and painful ways before their skins are exported to Europe and used by “luxury” brands. Reptiles, just like mammals, can feel pain, yet they’re frequently mutilated without any prior stunning or painkillers.
When it comes to fear and the desire to be free from pain, we’re all the same, whether we have skin, fur, or scales.
Crocodiles like to have fun by blowing bubbles. Snakes are intelligent and quick learners, and some cobras even “play dead” until potential threats have passed. Just like us, animals want to enjoy life, and they feel fear when their lives are threatened.
What You Can Do
Please speak out for animals exploited and slaughtered for their skins. It’s time that Hermès and LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, followed in PVH Corp’s footsteps and stopped selling items made with exotic skins – to protect humans and other animals.
