No more exotics for Selfridges...

[India]

Today, I saw that Selfridges has announced it will no longer sell any exotics. They cited PETA and their pronouncements as the reason. I assume this will be true in their Hermes boutique as well.

Victoria Beckman has also said she will no longer make any handbags out of exotic skins. Hmmm...I wonder what she is doing with all those exotic skin Birkins she has collected over the years.

PETA has managed to get fur banned from just about everywhere these days, and now exotics. Since Hermes croc bags are not affecting the population of crocs in the wild (all are farmed), it seems ridiculous, to say the least.

Somehow, I have a feeling that in the next ten years or so, it will be impossible to buy a pair of leather shoes or a leather handbag. I wonder when we'll be fined (and the bag confiscated) for already owning either exotics of leather of any kind. We have moved into a very, scary new world.

 

[Versace Girl]

If PETA had their way, we wouldn't be able to eat any chicken or beef. : (

 

[snibor]

Good grief. Selective and manufactured outrage.

 

[India]

If PETA had their way, we wouldn't be able to eat any chicken or beef. : (

Or own pets! In the US a few years ago, they came into an AKC dog show and opened the crate doors of dogs resting until their turn in the ring. Then they held open the doors to the outside so the dogs could escape “to their freedom” smack into heavy Boston traffic. These people are nuts,

 

[NateSelwyn25]

I detest PETA but good for Selfridges, Victoria Beckham and Chanel for banning exotics in their companies. I still love and will continue to use leather products but I am shifting into a space about sustainability(Where are these skins obtained from? How are the animals and workers treated? Are all parts of the animal being used[Is the meat from that cow being sold after the hide is taken?])

 

[Versace Girl]

Or own pets! In the US a few years ago, they came into an AKC dog show and opened the crate doors of dogs resting until their turn in the ring. Then they held open the doors to the outside so the dogs could escape “to their freedom” smack into heavy Boston traffic. These people are nuts,

That's so sad! Hopefully no dogs got hurt.

 

[India]

Hermes owns its own croc farms. I would imagine that they sell the meat - many consider it quite a delicacy. As to how they are treated - well, just how does one "treat" a croc. They obviously want their skins as clear as possible so they must be well-treated.

You know that there is no way one can know how oats are grown, the workers at the plant are treated (and by just whose standards?). No one wants to return to the days of "sweat shops" but really... Cattle who are raised for their skins are also raised for their meat. Again, those skins are valuable, the finer and less damaged they are, so they cannot be callous with them.

I would never abuse an animal, but there is a difference between "livestock" and "domestic pets". It's one of the first lessons children in 4H are taught - they do not name the livestock they raise, and they understand that when they win a prize at the state fair, that will mean a higher price for the animal when it is sold for meat. Sorry - I do believe that God put animals on this earth for us to eat. I eat meat and will not apologize for doing so.

 

[A1aGypsy]

Oookay, but did he put animals on this earth to be hunted into extinction to make purses? We have to learn the lessons learned from ivory and horns.

I don’t really want to get into this because I know this debate isn’t appreciated on this forum I also know it is nuanced but just on the statement that they must treat them well, you can look up how Hermes bound crocodiles have been treated - there are videos on the internet from a few years back.

 

[Yoshi1296]

I mean I don't really care because I can't afford exotic skins anyways. Plus I don't think they look all that nice on bags.

Meat on the other hand, I don't think that will get banned. So many people all over the world eat meat.

 

[remainsilly]

Some cultures eat dog, as "livestock" meat.
Yet those viewing dogs as "pets" argue & scream about wrongdoing & violence.
It's no different.
Yours is an opinion. About certain animal lives' value.
That's it.
My opinion differs.
Glad exotic products are being rejected by concerned companies.

 

[lovingmybags]

I disagree that certain animals should be viewed as livestock; why not the others then? Individuals who adopted/rescued poultry and other farm creatures have shown them to be as personable as any pets. Whether people consume them as food is one thing, but to imply certain species somehow deserve to be in that position...that I cannot concur. Glad companies are finally examining their exotic suppliers.

 

[PJW5813]

Oookay, but did he put animals on this earth to be hunted into extinction to make purses? We have to learn the lessons learned from ivory and horns.

I don’t really want to get into this because I know this debate isn’t appreciated on this forum I also know it is nuanced but just on the statement that they must treat them well, you can look up how Hermes bound crocodiles have been treated - there are videos on the internet from a few years back.

That is true and I think the issue should be aired.
It was good to see a number of posts giving support to the idea that using exotics should be questioned and not jumping up and down in anger at the stand that Selfridges has taken.

I am aware of my own inconsistency: I am not vegan and have leather jackets, shoes, belts & bags; I had a croc watch strap custom made and wondered if I had done a wrong thing. I like the look of croc/allli items.

Shame on anyone who does not consider the implications of their choices BUT that does not mean shame on anyone who chooses to have exotics.

 

[Evia]

Perhaps the problem is in identifying the source of the skins? If it’s farmed, regulated, not endangered and not taken from the wild, I don’t see the difference between buying exotic skins and buying lamb or calf.
I would appreciate knowing more about sources when I buy a bag, I’m picky about where I buy meat, I pay a premium for locally raised and slaughtered organic meat and I’m happy to do so. I wish we had the same info when it comes to leather goods.

 

[2cello]

I eat meat and am not much of an environmentalist because I’m lazy. I don’t care really if people own exotics. Furs maybe a little, but honestly, only because furry animals are cuter. But truly, I don’t think anyone is entitled to purchase reptilian purses. It’s not a hardship if one can’t buy an alligator bag.

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I don't eat any meats, but I like exotic skins and own a few. Go figure. We're all different. Not a fan of any company or organization that dictates stuff to others. I'm sure if Chanel/Hermes customers have the $$$$ for an exotic, they'll get one.