Why Silk & Feathers Are Unethical

At Remi, it is so important that our values form part of our Business.

As a growing fashion label, REMI has started by focusing on what we believe is most important, and we will continue to add to our list as we grow.

A priority for us is to avoid using animal products that cause harm. When it comes to materials, there are so many factors to consider. For example, we initially did not know of the cruelty involved in the production of silk which involves killing silk worms by steaming them alive before they can eat through their cocoons.

Feathers on the other hand are often seen as a more humane alternative to fur and leather, but the truth is that the production of feathers can also cause immense animal suffering.

Ostrich feathers, for example, are highly sought after in the fashion industry due to their luxurious appearance and versatility. However, ostriches do not moult like other birds (that surprised us too!) which means that their feathers are either forcefully plucked while they are alive, causing pain, distress, and even permanent damage to their skin, or cut off or taken from them post-mortem.
A small percentage of ostrich farmers, I’m sure, would have ethical treatment of their ostriches, but how do you know where and under what conditions that feather originated from, especially seeing that the prices of ostrich boas can sell for as little as $2?

REMI has made the decision not to use animal products that cause animal suffering. Instead, we will look for alternatives. We have been searching far and wide for faux feathers and have found it almost impossible. A significant hurdle we’ve faced is that numerous suppliers claim their feathers are “faux,” when in fact they are real. Unfortunately, this misleading advertising can trap many fashion brands who unknowingly market these feathers as faux. We believe in transparency and want you to know that if the feathers look convincingly real, they most likely are.

We’ve taken our first steps in ensuring that our label is ethical by prioritizing fair labour practices and avoiding the use of animal products that cause harm. However, we’re not perfect. We’re still learning and there’s always room for improvement. We recognize that there are other areas we can work on to become a more sustainable and ethical brand, such as reducing our carbon footprint, using more eco-friendly materials, and ensuring that our entire supply chain is ethical. As we continue to grow and evolve, we promise to keep working towards a more sustainable and ethical future for our brand and the fashion industry as a whole.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more sustainable and ethical future.