## A Shift Toward Compassionate Fashion
In a major step for ethical fashion, over 50 prominent Indian designers have vowed to remove feathers from their upcoming collections, starting immediately. This announcement, made on Fashion Day (July 9), was inspired by insights from esteemed British designer Stella McCartney and PETA India about the cruel practices linked to feather sourcing.
### The Feather-Free Pledge
The designers backing the “Feather-Free Pledge,” which can be found on PETAIndia.com, include acclaimed names like Anita Dongre, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Gaurav Gupta, and many more. This collective movement signals a strong commitment to ethical fashion in India.
### The Reality Behind Feather Fashion
PETA India has shed light on the grim truth behind feathers used in fashion. “Behind each feathered accessory lies a story of birds being plucked alive or killed against their will,” shared Ashima Kukreja, director of corporate affairs at PETA India. She expressed her appreciation for these visionary designers who choose to leave feathers where they naturally belong—on the birds.
### Designers Speak Out
The pledge reflects a shared commitment to kindness in fashion. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla stated, “Cruelty isn’t cool, people! We are dedicated to creating beauty in a way that respects the rights and freedom of all living beings. Choosing to be feather-free is a move towards compassion in the fashion world.”
Designer Gaurav Gupta emphasized this sentiment further, saying, “At Gaurav Gupta, we’re focused on crafting the future of couture with empathy. Our designs are driven by emotion and innovation without harming any living creature. Supporting PETA’s feather-free movement aligns perfectly with our commitment to cruelty-free fashion.”
### Personal Convictions
Ashish N Soni expressed his genuine belief in the pledge, saying, “I’ve joined the PETA family not just because it’s the trend but as a personal principle. Going feather-free is something I encourage fellow designers to consider as well.”
Leena Singh from Ashima Leena added, “Any initiative that promotes animal welfare is deeply important to me. I’m proud to support this cause and stand for a more compassionate future in fashion.”
### Addressing Cruelty in the Feather Trade
The move by these designers coincides with a growing awareness of the harsh realities within the feather industry. PETA India highlighted that birds like ostriches and geese, which are highly social and protective in nature, suffer greatly. Feathers are often forcibly ripped from living, terrified birds or collected from those that have been slaughtered. This trade also backtracks into the meat industry, as feathers can generate more profit than the meat itself.
Globally, PETA organizations are collaborating with Stella McCartney to encourage the fashion industry to move away from feathers. Innovative designers are already working on sustainable and ethical substitutes, utilizing materials like bamboo, metal, and recycled products to create vegan alternatives.
Are you ready to embrace a more conscious approach to fashion?
