Following on from our wool-based first issue of Faux Paws, and serving as the second part of our four-part series, we are proud to turn the spotlight on exotic skins. Stay tuned for later in the year when we’ll be sharing more information on down and fur . So still plenty to look forward to, learn, and get involved with. This ‘issue’  aims to promote more ethical fashion choices and show that plant-based alternatives don’t lose any of the exoticism or allure that makes this leather choice popular.

Sadly, the exotic skin trade hosts intense cruelty at a scale that is much larger than the handbags it creates. For example, in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia over 440,000 pythons are intensively farmed. Further to this, in Louisiana, USA, over 300,000 alligators meet the same fate. Due to this trade, wild animals such as crocodiles, pythons, kangaroos, and stingrays are killed using brutal methods such as clubbing to death or skinning alive. We’re here to ask, is fashion worth it?

We don’t believe that it is, especially with so many plant-based alternatives easily available. We have identified top UK brands still selling real exotic skin and are engaging with them to improve/introduce a comprehensive animal welfare policy that will include a ban on exotic skins. If you want to help stop the cruelty behind exotic leather, check the label and ensure any leather you buy is humanely sourced domestic leather or a plant-based alternative. Kindness doesn’t go out of fashion, so add a touch of #WearItKind to your wardrobe and help to bring more compassion to fashion.