HERMÈS is one of the world’s most renowned names in the world of high-end fashion. Founded in 1837, this French maison has long been associated with the epitome of luxury, from its iconic silk scarves and signature Birkin bags to its sophisticated ready-to-wear lines. However, along with its reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless style, HERMÈS has also found itself embroiled in a series of controversies over the years.
Critics, particularly from animal rights organizations, have scrutinized the brand’s use of exotic animal skins and furs in the production of its goods. In this age of growing consciousness about sustainability and ethical fashion, questions have been raised about whether HERMÈS can truly claim to be a “clean brand.”
The term “clean brand” has gained significant traction in recent years, and the ensuing paragraphs will seek to examine what this term means in the context of fashion. More importantly, we will delve into the heart of the matter: Is HERMÈS actually living up to its claims of being cruelty-free and vegan-friendly?
What Does “Clean Brand” Mean in Fashion?
In the fashion industry, a “clean brand” typically refers to one that is transparent, sustainable, and ethical. Transparency involves clear disclosure about where and how products are made, as well as the working conditions of those involved in the manufacturing process. Sustainability pertains to the impact the brand’s operations have on the environment, and includes considerations like resource usage, waste management, and carbon emissions.
Ethical practices, on the other hand, cover a spectrum of issues such as fair trade, fair wages, and notably, animal rights. This is where the terms “cruelty-free” and “vegan” come into play. In the case of HERMÈS, these factors are particularly relevant given the brand’s use of animal products in many of its most famous items.
To be classified as a clean brand, HERMÈS must therefore demonstrate commitment to these principles. However, as we’ll see, the brand’s history and current practices present a complex picture.
HERMÈS and Animal Rights: The History
The use of animal skins and furs is deeply ingrained in the history of HERMÈS. From its beginnings as a harness workshop in the 19th century, the brand has continuously sourced materials such as leather, crocodile skin, and ostrich skin for its products. These materials are associated with high-end luxury and have thus become a significant part of the brand’s identity.
However, this legacy has also made it a target of animal rights activists. Organisations like PETA have repeatedly criticized HERMÈS for its continued use of exotic animal skins, citing cruelty in the process of obtaining these materials.
HERMÈS has maintained that it is committed to responsible and ethical sourcing, but the question remains: can a brand that uses animal products ever truly claim to be cruelty-free?
Investigating HERMÈS: Cruelty-Free Claims
HERMÈS’s claims of being cruelty-free are underpinned by its commitments to responsible sourcing and animal welfare. The brand claims to adhere to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations, which aim to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
However, the brand’s definition of cruelty-free seems to be more about the treatment of animals during the sourcing and production processes, rather than completely avoiding the use of animal-derived materials. This is a significant distinction and one that has drawn criticism from animal rights activists.
The cruelty-free claim is further complicated by a lack of third-party certifications. While some brands opt for certifications from organizations like Leaping Bunny or PETA, HERMÈS does not appear to have such endorsements, leaving consumers largely reliant on the brand’s own assurances of ethical practices.
Are HERMÈS Products Truly Vegan-Friendly?
A vegan-friendly brand is one that does not use any animal products in its goods. Given HERMÈS’s extensive use of leather and other animal skins, it would be misleading to classify the brand as vegan-friendly.
However, HERMÈS has taken steps in recent years towards introducing more animal-friendly options. In 2020, the brand announced the release of the Victoria bag, its first-ever item made from mushroom-based leather. This signals a potential shift towards more sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives.
While this is a positive step, it does not erase the fact that a significant proportion of HERMÈS’s products are still made from animal-derived materials. As such, the brand cannot be considered fully vegan-friendly at this point in time.
Controversies and Criticisms: Scrutiny Surrounding HERMÈS
HERMÈS’s use of animal materials has certainly not gone without controversy. In 2015, PETA released a shocking undercover video allegedly showing the inhumane treatment of crocodiles and alligators on farms supplying the brand. This led to widespread outrage and calls for the brand to stop using exotic skins.
In response, HERMÈS promised to investigate the claims and stated its commitment to ethical sourcing. However, the incident raised serious doubts about the brand’s cruelty-free claims and highlighted the lack of transparency in its supply chain.
PETA’s allegations are not the only ones. The brand has also faced backlash over its use of ostrich skin, with activists shedding light on the brutal conditions in which these animals are kept. These controversies highlight the ongoing challenges HERMÈS faces in reconciling its traditional luxury identity with the increasing demand for ethical fashion.
Unveiling the Truth: HERMÈS’s Sustainability Efforts
Despite the controversies and criticisms, HERMÈS has made some strides towards sustainability and ethical practices. In addition to introducing the mushroom leather Victoria bag, the brand has also launched the Petit h initiative, which repurposes waste materials into new products, effectively reducing waste.
HERMÈS has also shown commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The brand publishes an annual environmental report detailing its efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While these efforts are commendable, they constitute only part of the clean brand equation. To truly be considered a clean brand, HERMÈS will need to address the issues surrounding its use of animal products and improve transparency in its supply chain.
Conclusion: Is HERMÈS a Clean Brand?
Having delved into the practices and history of HERMÈS, it is clear that the brand occupies a complex position in the clean brand debate. While it has made significant strides towards sustainability and has demonstrated a commitment to improving its environmental footprint, the use of animal products in its goods prevents it from fully falling into the clean brand category.
HERMÈS’s introduction of vegan-friendly alternatives and its Petit h initiative are positive steps towards a cleaner, more ethical brand image. However, until there is a systemic shift in the brand’s use of animal materials and an increase in supply chain transparency, its claim to be a clean, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly brand remains debatable.
Ultimately, it is up to consumers to decide whether HERMÈS’s efforts towards sustainability and its cruelty-free claims hold enough weight to overlook the ongoing controversies surrounding its use of animal products.
