If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you must have come across Hermes bags at some point. Hermes is a luxury fashion brand known for its high-quality leather goods and accessories.
The brand has a reputation for using exotic materials like alligator, crocodile, ostrich, and lizard skin in their products. While these materials are rare and expensive, they also raise ethical concerns about animal welfare.
One material that has been in question is lizard skin. The use of lizard skin in fashion has been a controversial topic for years. Some people believe that it’s cruel to kill lizards for their skin while others argue that it’s a sustainable way of using the byproduct of the food industry.
So, does Hermes use lizard skin? The answer is yes.
Hermes uses various types of lizard skins like Niloticus, Varanus Salvator, and Monitor Lizard to make their products. These skins are sourced from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Africa where they are farmed or hunted for food.
Niloticus lizard skin is the most common type used by Hermes. It’s obtained from Nile crocodiles which are farmed for their meat in Zimbabwe. The skins are then tanned in France using traditional methods to create the signature Hermes finish.
Varanus Salvator is another type of lizard skin used by Hermes. It’s obtained from the Asian water monitor lizard which is hunted for its meat and considered a delicacy in some countries like Thailand. The skins are then shipped to France for tanning before being used to make products like bags and wallets.
Monitor Lizard skin is the rarest type used by Hermes. It’s obtained from the Bengal monitor lizard which is found in India and Bangladesh. The skins are highly coveted due to their unique texture and pattern but are difficult to source sustainably.
Hermes has been criticized by animal rights groups like PETA for using exotic animal skins in their products. However, the brand has been working towards using more sustainable materials and reducing their impact on the environment.
In 2020, Hermes announced that they would no longer be using exotic animal skins like crocodile and alligator in their products. While this doesn’t include lizard skin, it’s a step in the right direction.
In conclusion, Hermes does use lizard skin in their products, but the sourcing and production methods are closely monitored to ensure sustainability and ethical practices. While the use of exotic animal skins in fashion is a controversial topic, it’s important to consider both sides of the argument before making a decision. As consumers, we have the power to vote with our wallets and support brands that align with our values.