The Hermes bag is a highly coveted fashion accessory that has been in the limelight for decades. However, there have been concerns raised about the brand’s ethical practices when it comes to animal welfare. In this article, we will explore the question – Is Hermes Bag Cruelty Free?
What is a Hermes Bag?
Hermes is a luxury fashion brand that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. The brand is known for its high-quality leather goods, including bags, wallets, and other accessories. The most famous of these products is the Hermes Birkin bag, which has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.
What materials are used to make a Hermes Bag?
Hermes bags are primarily made from exotic animal skins such as crocodile, alligator, ostrich, and lizard. These materials are known for their durability and unique texture, which makes them highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts.
Are Hermes Bags Cruelty-Free?
The use of exotic animal skins has raised concerns about animal welfare in the fashion industry. Animal rights activists argue that these animals are often subjected to inhumane conditions during their capture and slaughtering process.
While Hermes claims to source its materials ethically and responsibly, it’s difficult to verify these claims independently. However, the brand does have a strict policy against sourcing materials from endangered species.
Hermes’ Ethical Standards
Hermes claims to have strict ethical standards when it comes to sourcing its materials. The brand says that it only sources its exotic animal skins from reputable suppliers who meet their ethical standards.
According to their website:
“We demand that our suppliers guarantee total traceability of all skins used in our collections and that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations concerning animal welfare.”
The company also claims that they do not use any materials sourced from endangered species.
Alternative Materials
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the use of vegan leather in the fashion industry. This is a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of real leather but is made from materials such as polyurethane or PVC.
Hermes has not yet embraced this trend, but other luxury brands like Stella McCartney have started to use vegan leather in their products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hermes claims to source its materials ethically and responsibly, it’s difficult to verify these claims independently. The brand does have a strict policy against sourcing materials from endangered species. However, the use of exotic animal skins for luxury goods raises concerns about animal welfare in the fashion industry.
As consumers become more aware of these issues, there has been a growing trend towards the use of alternative materials such as vegan leather. It remains to be seen whether Hermes will start using these materials in their products or continue with their current practices.