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As the year draws to a close, a growing awareness of animal welfare is changing the fashion industry’s practices when dealing with animals. On this occasion, the animal protection organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) looks back on the past year. The annual PETA Fashion Awards recognizes those driving change.
“From feather-free feathers to the softest and most luxurious vegetable wools, cruelty-free fashion is better than ever,” emphasized Yvonne Taylor, vice president of corporate projects at PETA, in a statement to FashionUnited. “Our Fashion Awards show that compassion never goes out of style. We hope our winners pave the way for a kinder era in fashion.”
At the 2025 awards, long-time PETA favorite Stella McCartney secured the award for Best Luxury Moment, once again taking a top spot. The British designer received this recognition for incorporating plant-based feathers into her show at Paris Fashion Week. These were made by the British company Fevvers.
“Cruelty-free fashion is better than ever…”
In fact, many of this year’s honorees were specifically recognized by PETA for their commitment to animal-free alternatives. Several awards recognized the use of innovative vegan materials. Maison Margiela received the award for the best vegan knitwear for its continued use of animal-friendly hemp. Ganni won the Best Vegan Leather Collection award for its line of olive-derived leather Oleatex.
The “Most Wanted Award” went to French brand Coperni for its popular cactus leather biker jacket. Vivobarefoot won the best vegan shoes award for its Gobi sneakers, which are made from a mushroom-based material.
A number of manufacturers were also honored for their innovations in animal-friendly textile production. Caxacori received the innovation award for its “Shiringa Bio-Leather”. Tandem Repeat won the Best Vegetable Wool award for its yarn made from beer waste. In the best vegan bag category, the award went to Alma New York, a company that makes bags made from Banofi banana leather.
Other categories reflected broader changes in the industry. Amsterdam Fashion Week won the award for best catwalk moment for its decision to ban wild animal skins and feathers from its program. Similarly, Ba&sh was honored for Best High Street Moment for taking part in PETA’s Feather-Free Pledge. Actress Cate Blanchett received this year’s Red Carpet Award for her continued support of animal-free designs.
This article was created using digital tools translated.
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