Elisabetta Franchi ceases use of goose feathers

After fashion label Moncler was accused of cruelty to animals following the broadcast of a television programme documenting its use of goose feathers, the Italian ready-to-wear fashion brand Elisabetta Franchi decided to preempt critics and confess to the unintentional use of goose feathers.

The accusations launched at Moncler, documenting its use of goose feathers that had been cruelly plucked from live geese, caused a media stir and proved a pr-nightmare for the luxury brand.

Elisabetta Franchi therefore decided on full disclosure and released a full confession and declaration of intent. The company said that it had 'only discovered the atrocities suffered by the animals' in January and was doing everything 'to prevent the use of feathers'.

"From now on, all collections will no longer use the animal-based feathers, but instead only quality, synthetic products, adopting innovative and experimental systems," it said, adding that it plans to stop using angora as well.

"My priority has always been to respect the environment and animals, even if I have to forgo a significant portion of sales in countries where fur is a symbol of social prestige," said the designer Elisabetta Franchi.