The Universities Implementing Animal-Friendly Policies

Update (18 October 2024): Northbrook College
After working with PETA, Northbrook College’s fashion department banned fur, angora, wild-animal skins, and ostrich feathers.

“The course promotes responsible fabric sourcing – the use of feathers, furs and other unethical skins and fibres is disallowed. This is clearly outlined in the ethics of the programme. The course is working closely with PETA and with companies developing innovative vegan fabrics using food waste. At Northbrook College, our BA Fashion graduates design for a sustainable future. Our relationship with PETA is highly valuable to our current and future practice.”
– Northbrook College Programme Leader of BA (Hons) in Fashion Design Gayle Atkins

Update (17 October 2024): Coventry University
Following communications with PETA about how animals suffer for clothing, Coventry University banned the use of fur, wild-animal skins, angora, and ostrich feathers throughout its entire fashion department.

“The staff team in the fashion suite of courses at Coventry University are passionate about sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry. We have worked for years with organisations including PETA to ensure we highlight innovation in materials, processes and business practice to students so they can make informed decisions leading to ethical and sustainable outcomes. We look forward to working with the next generation of students on their journey to becoming leaders in a more ethical fashion industry.”
– Coventry University School of Art and Design Curriculum Lead Rebecca Ryder-Caddy

Coventry University’s new directive will allow fashion students, many of whom already refuse to work with animal-derived materials, to focus their talents on creating high-quality, luxurious animal-friendly designs.

Animal Abuse in the Fashion Industry

PETA exposés have revealed that animals killed for fur are caged, bashed on the head, and electrocuted. Ostriches are forcibly restrained and electrically stunned before their throats are slit for their feathers.

Oikeutta eläimille / We Animals Media

For angora, rabbits are typically kept inside small, filthy cages and subjected to the agonising ordeal of being plucked several times a year before being killed. In the reptile-skins industry, snakes are hit on the head with a hammer and impaled with a hook while still moving.

Vegan Textiles

Consumer demand for animal- and planet-friendly materials is on the rise, and more and more designers are moving away from animal skins and choosing instead to embrace exciting vegan textile options, such as leathers made from pineapple, apple, mushroom, or cactus or fur made from corn.

A Guide to Vegan Fashion

Miomojo

Help Stop Animals From Being Killed for Fashion

PETA is calling on other fashion programmes to take note and follow suit. In the meantime, please help protect animals from being killed in the fashion industry: