Feathers Are Out: Ibiza Fashion Festival Takes a Stand

Ibiza Fashion Festival has joined PETA’s Feather-Free Pledge, committing to a runway free of feathers. After learning about the cruelty birds face in the feather trade, the festival’s organisers took a stand against this gruesome practice. Already free from fur and wildlife skins, the festival continues to lead by example, and this year, it’s inviting PETA to join its panel discussion on ethical fashion.

“The fashion industry is rapidly moving away from cruelty to animals – and that includes feathers. We are proud to lead the way for a more conscious future of fashion by focusing on ethically made, cruelty-free materials on our catwalks.”
– Ibiza Fashion Festival, CEO Karen Windle.

This decision is a win for animals and a clear signal to the fashion industry that compassion is the way to go. Feathers are not fabric – they are part of living beings, and taking them involves immense suffering and death. We applaud Ibiza Fashion Festival for standing up for birds and urge other fashion events to follow suit by signing the Feather-Free Pledge.

The Hidden Cruelty Behind Feathers in Fashion

Ostriches are among the most exploited birds in the decorative feather trade. Investigations have shown that young ostriches are forcibly restrained, electrically stunned, and have their throats slit—often while still conscious—before their feathers are torn from their bodies.

And ostriches aren’t the only victims. Peacocks, pheasants, emus, turkeys, and chickens also endure overcrowded conditions, neglect, and violent deaths for fashion. A PETA Asia investigation into down production in Vietnam revealed ducks with gaping wounds, living in filth, and being stabbed in the neck while still conscious.

A Fashion Future Without Feathers

Many designers are embracing change. Luxury and ethical brands like Stella McCartney, Felder Felder, Richard Malone, Patrick McDowell, VIN + OMI, Pīferi, Sarah Regensburger, Gymshark, SkinnyDip London, and Helsinki Fashion Week have all signed the Feather-Free Pledge. These designers are proving that compassion and creativity can go hand in hand, using innovative materials like organza, bamboo, and recycled fabrics to achieve stunning feather-free looks.

The message is clear: feathers don’t belong in fashion. With organisations like Ibiza Fashion Festival paving the way, the industry is moving toward a kinder future that respects animals and celebrates cruelty-free creativity.

Help Ban Leather and Feathers From London Fashion Week

Join the movement to end cruelty in fashion. The British Fashion Council (BFC) still allows animal skin and feathers on the catwalk, but with your help, that can change. Add your name to the growing list of voices calling for a compassionate, sustainable future.

Urge the BFC to ban leather and feathers, which will help protect animals, the planet, and public health. Every voice counts.