Exclusive: Stella McCartney_ Maison Margiela and Ganni takeover PETA_s 2025 Fashion Awards
As the year draws to a close_ a growing awareness of animal welfare is continually shifting industry practices regarding their use. In recognition of this momentum_ People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is reflecting on the past period and acknowledging those who are leading the charge for change through its annual PETA Fashion Awards.
“From feather-free feathers to the softest_ most luxurious plant wools_ cruelty-free fashion is better than ever_” PETA_s vice president of corporate projects_ Yvonne Taylor_ emphasised in a statement to FashionUnited. “Our Fashion Awards show that compassion never goes out of style – and we hope our winners pave the way for a kinder era of fashion.”
For the awards_ 2025 edition_ Stella McCartney_ a long-time PETA favourite_ swooped up the Best Luxury Moment award_ once again claiming a top spot. The British designer earned this recognition for her incorporation of plant-based feathers_ made by UK-based Fevvers_ into her Paris Fashion Week show.
_Cruelty-free fashion is better than ever…_
In fact_ many of this year_s PETA honourees were recognised specifically for their commitment to animal-free alternatives_ with several awards celebrating the use of innovative vegan materials. Maison Margiela_ for example_ was awarded Best Vegan Knitwear for the brand_s ongoing use of animal-friendly hemp_ while Ganni was given the Best Vegan Leather Collection award for its line featuring olive-derived leather_ Oleatex. The Most Wanted Award went to French brand Coperni for its popular cactus leather biker jacket. Finally_ Vivobarefoot received Best Vegan Shoes for its Gobi sneakers_ which are made from a mushroom-derived material.
A slew of manufacturers were also highlighted for their innovations in the way of animal-friendly textile production. The Innovation Award went to Caxacori for its Shiringa Bio-Leather_ while Tandem Repeat received the Best Plant Wool award for its beer-waste yarn. The winner of Best Vegan Bags was revealed to be Alma New York_ which creates bags from Banofi banana leather.
Other categories reflected wider industry shifts. Amsterdam Fashion Week was highlighted for its decision to ban wild-animal skins and wild feathers from its programme_ garnering it the Best Catwalk Moment prize. Similarly_ Ba&sh was named the recipient of the Best High Street Moment award for joining PETA_s Feather-Free Pledge. Actress Cate Blanchett was this year_s recipient of the Red Carpet Award for her continued support of animal-free designs.