We thought that the eco-mania is here and will never leave us. But sadly, that’s not the truth. Yes, some of us and many of the celebrities and celebrity designers have really taken up the worthy cause but some are still following the mean way.
The bad news is that the mean people are actually the most influential ones in the fashion space. But partly, we all are responsible for that. It is we who notice and make issues of those who support something controversial or tabooed. So, in a way, people, especially the wannabe’s are following this mantra for shortcut to success. And as far as fashion is concerned, exotic animal skins rule these minds for getting noticed.
For instance, at the Paris Fashion Week, 2007, Christian Dior let models walk in a striking collection that was made up of python and ostrich skin. The collection also featured dresses with fox sleeves. Calvin Klein’s collection featured jackets that had alligator’s skins and Celine walked the ramp in a white python skirt. Jimmy Choo’s snakeskin sandals and Ferragamo’s alligator footwear were also showcased and sadly, all of these have been a huge hit. Big names like Nike and legendary designers like Roberto Cavalli also seem not to be bothered about the disgracing trend.
Roberto said:
Exotic skins are hot right now, there’s a real buzz. I love to use reptile skins because it excites me to take a material that is seen as ‘wild’ and mix it with a look that shouts glamour and sophistication. Exotic skin - alligator, crocodile and snake - also gives the impression of being superluxurious and expensive, a look women are into at the moment. For men it’s cars. For women it’s bags, shoes and belts now. A rich woman wants her bag to do the talking. It’s the most sophisticated way to say you have money. Exotic skin is the ultimate. Everyone knows it is expensive.
The fashion scenario has been divided on the issue and the gap is increasing day by day.
Fashion manager at Harvey Nichols, Joanna Jeffreys says:
Many of our customers are looking for something new and aren’t afraid to spend money on things they feel are their little secret. They want something they won’t see on anyone else.
With many of the reptiles close to extinction, the issue is seriously concerning. People, those who are concerned are obviously working for it. Last week, one hundred and seventy one member countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) met for the12-day conference in Holland to revise a scheme to tackle the use of exotic and endangered skins and furs. It has been estimated that between 2000 and 2005, some 3.4 million lizard, 2.9million crocodile and 3.4 million snakeskins were killed and imported to European Union for their skins. Reptiles, in billions each year are exported, imported, smuggled and killed for their skins. Traffic of animals, especially exotic animals has the third largest share in the black market.
Barry Gardiner, the government minister for biodiversity said:
Environment ministers who met at the convention in The Hague this week, know its vital to have the legal controls in place to limit trade in endangered species. But the best legislation is no use without proper enforcement, so we need to track down and prosecute the international criminal gangs that are profiting at the expense of some of the rarest species on earth.
But, the fact is that we will never be able to stop the trade until and unless each one of us, all across the globe, makes an effort to contribute a little towards this cause and stop using skin just to show off our status.
Source: Dailymail
