The True Cost of Exotic Skins in Fashion

The allure of exotic skins in the fashion industry is undeniable. From crocodile handbags to snake-skin boots, these materials are often synonymous with luxury and opulence. However, the real cost of this luxury is far more than its hefty price tag.

Environmental Considerations

The exotic skin industry involves various animals like crocodiles, snakes, and lizards. According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), approximately 500,000 crocodile skins are traded internationally each year. Up to 1.5 million wild animals are killed each year for their skins.

Health Implications

Recent pandemics have highlighted the interconnectedness of animal and human health. The exotic skin trade, with its cramped and unsanitary conditions, poses a similar risk. Animals are often kept in cages stacked on top of each other, creating a breeding ground for zoonotic diseases, which account for about 60% of all infectious diseases in humans.

Change is on the horizon.

Brands like Burberry, Victoria Beckham, and Chanel have already taken steps to ban the use of exotic skins. The market for alternative materials is growing, with innovations like plant-based leathers offering viable and ethical options. 

At Miomojo, we've always believed that aesthetics and ethics can coexist. That's why we've committed to using innovative, cruelty-free materials like apple leather, mushroom leather, and corn-based textiles in our products. Our aim is to set a new standard in the fashion industry, one that values both aesthetic appeal and ethical responsibility.

Your Choices Matter

Consumer behaviour is showing signs of change. A Nielsen report indicates that 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to make a kinder impact on the environment. Informed choices in fashion can contribute to broader efforts to address ethical and environmental concerns. As consumers, our purchasing decisions have the power to drive change in the industry, making us active participants in shaping a kinder future.

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