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Seeking to reduce the killing of wild leopards in southern Africa, Panthera and ECOPEL, a synthetic fur textile manufacturer, have joined forces to create a new collection of high-quality, bio-based “Heritage Furs” that will replace authentic leopard furs worn during cultural and religious ceremonies in southern Africa. Merging the worlds of sustainable fashion and conservation, the latest garments will incorporate KOBA, the first-ever bio-based fur textile, to decrease the energy required, emissions produced and environmental impact of the product. This image captures a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church eBuhleni (Shembe Church) creating a synthetic Ecoepl cape for use in a Shembe religious gathering, which can draw tens of thousands of participants. Supported by Cartier For Nature Philanthropy, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Peace Parks Foundation, the program has already led to a 50 percent reduction in authentic leopard fur use, with nearly 20,000 synthetic furs distributed in southern Africa.
Now considered a status symbol of modernity and ethical responsibility, faux furs are gaining popularity in luxury fashion. Beginning with its Fall 2022 collections, global luxury group Kering banned the use of fur by all of its brands, including Gucci and Balenciaga, as celebrities also increasingly contribute their voice to the movement.
