PETA calls on Hermès to recall crocodile bags in honor of Jane Birkin

In the fashion world, the iconic Birkin by Hermès has always been a symbol of opulence and prestige. However, behind its trans-generational myth lies a controversial issue that has drawn the attention of animal rights activists for years: the use of crocodile skins. In light of the passing of actress and singer Jane Birkin, PETA took the opportunity to renew its call for Hermès to withdraw versions of bags named after her made from crocodile skin. The animal rights group implores the French luxury house to take a stand against the killing of wildlife for fashion, urging them to opt instead for more sustainable and especially cruelty-free materials.

Was Jane Birkin an environmental activist?

Jane Birkin herself, in July 2015, had voiced her concerns about the use of crocodile skins in the production of bags dedicated to her. In response to a distressing documentary showing the inhumane mistreatment of crocodiles on a farm, she had requested that her name be removed from the crocodile-skin Birkin bags until more humane practices could be implemented. Here is her statement:

«Alerted to the cruel practices reserved for crocodiles during their killing for the production of Hermès bags carrying my name, as a signatory of Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘Mercy for Animals’ petitions protesting all the bad treatment of animals, I have asked the Maison Hermès to rename the Birkin Croco until best practices responding to international norms can be put in place for the bag’s fabrication».  

Despite her concerns, however, Hermès declared the following September that it had reached an agreement with Birkin, stating that what was shown in the documentary was an isolated incident and promising to investigate the matter and continue to use her name on all versions of the bag, including the crocodile leather one. This, however, had not stopped the activism of the great Anglo-French actress who, during her lifetime, consistently donated royalties received from Hermès (about $40,000 a year) to various charitable causes.

Is fashion moving away from exotic skins?

While some luxury brands have made progress in banning exotic skins in their collections, PETA has urged Hermès to take a firm corporate stance against the use of crocodile skins across its entire production line. Brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Mulberry, Karl Lagerfeld, Paul Smith and Stella McCartney have already taken steps to eliminate exotic skins from their designs. In its statements, PETA acknowledged that some of these brands may not have made significant use of exotic skins, but their commitment to cruelty-free practices sets an example for the entire industry.

But Hermès's could be a crucial decision since, by retiring the crocodile Birkin bag and embracing cruelty-free alternatives, the brand has an opportunity to align with the growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion and set an example for the rest of the industry. Such a move would not only respect the memory of Jane Birkin, a fervent animal rights advocate, but would position Hermès as a responsible industry leader in the eyes of consumers. That's not to say, however, that the upper strata of the luxury industry is ready to abandon the ultra-luxurious exotic skins that, in times of soaring prices, represent an ultra-luxury category that can be sold at even more astronomical prices and, as in the case of Celine's custom-made handbags, come with a host of certificates on ethical animal husbandry. But crocodile and other exotic animal skin is still quite in vogue through the most celebrated brands, from Gucci to Louis Vuitton via Fendi and Loewe.