Victoria Beckham joins Chanel in banning the use of exotic skins

The designer has announced she will no longer use the fabrics in her collections

Victoria Beckham becomes the latest designer to ban exotic skins / AFP / EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ

Victoria Beckham has become the latest fashion designer to ban the use of exotic skins in her collections.

Beckham’s label already adheres to a strict no-fur policy, but the ban on using animal skins is another step forward in ensuring her designs are cruelty free.

"Victoria Beckham will cease the use of exotic skins in all collections as of autumn/winter 2019," the brand said in a statement released on Tuesday. "The Victoria Beckham brand has never used fur in its clothing or accessories collections and confirmed last year that the brand will remain fur-free."

Following in Chanel's footsteps

The move echoes that of luxury fashion house Chanel, which announced in December it would cease using furs and exotic skins in collections.

In a statement released ahead of its Metier d’Arts show in New York, a Chanel spokesperson said: “We are continually reviewing our supply chains to ensure they meet our expectations of integrity and ­traceability. In this context, it is our experience that it is becoming increasingly difficult to source exotic skins that match our ethical standards.”

Diane Von Furstenberg and environmentalist Vivienne Westwood have also stopped using exotic skins and furs in their designs. Victoria Beckham’s announcement comes just days before her highly anticipated show at London Fashion Week.

The news was welcomed by animal rights group Peta. “After years of pressure from Peta, Victoria Beckham's luxury brand bans all future use of alligator, crocodile, ostrich, and snake skins,” the organisation said in a tweet. “The brand also confirmed it will remain #FurFree. Animals are NOT fashion.”