A leading fashion designer highlights the growing industry shift away from wool, emphasizing alternatives like fermented protein fabrics as ethical choices gain momentum. Recent controversy over animal welfare in wool production has brought the issue into broader public focus, contrasting with the more established debate over fur. The designer, known for advocating animal rights for decades, notes the absence of wool in current collections and credits biotech partnerships for sustainable innovations. With cruelty concerns resurfacing, the conversation around ethical materials in fashion appears to be expanding beyond traditional hot-button topics.
Designer showcases wool alternatives and ocean-inspired clothes and says ‘kindness requires real work’Stella McCartney has been talking about animal rights at fashion week for 30 years. She is usually a lone voice, but the issue is back in the headlines this season. Outcry over the physical restraining of a Peta protester at a catwalk show by Steven Kolb, the president of New York fashion week’s governing body, has put cruelty in wool production – previously considered niche compared to the hot button topic of fur – on the news agenda.“There is no wool on the runway this season, and I’m proud of that,” McCartney said after her show. She has been working on wool alternatives, including Brewed Protein, a fermented alternative to cashmere and wool developed in collaboration with the Japanese biotech firm Spiber, which was first used in her collections a year ago. Continue reading...
