Fashion designers and brands need to start swapping animal leather for sustainable alternatives, or risk alienating themselves from consumers, says Evelyn Mora, founder of Helsinki Fashion Week.
Mora believes the fashion industry can expect a major upheaval, as customers start to demand more eco-friendly products.
"I think that in the near future there's going to be a big shift," she told Dezeen. "Everybody is going to take a big leap towards sustainable fashion."
"Right now we are all talk, everybody is talking about how important sustainability is, but we need to see results."
Consumers demand change from big brands
According to Mora, we will see significant changes in the next three years, particularly from companies like LVMH and Kering, which between them own labels including Céline, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. She points to Chanel as an example ? the fashion house recently announced a ban on the use of skins from exotic animals like snakes and crocodiles, as it felt it was unable to source them ethically.
Evelyn Mora, 27, is founder of Helsinki Fashion Week
"Things are going to change. In the near future, maybe two to three years latest, it will happen for sure," said Mora.
"The companies have to go where the money is, and that's where the consumers are ? they are changing their minds and they're starting to be more conscious."
Leather banned from Helsinki Fashion Week
Animal leather was banned...