As the fashion industry increasingly embraces animal-free innovation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Fashion Awards, celebrating brands, designers and creatives who are reshaping the future of compassionate fashion.
“From plant-based down to the softest, most luxurious plant-based wools, cruelty-free fashion is at its best,” said Yvonne Taylor, PETA’s vice president of corporate projects, in a statement. “Our Fashion Awards prove that compassion never goes out of style, and we hope our winners pave the way for a kinder era in fashion.”
Stella McCartney Takes Best Luxury Moment
Stella McCartney — a long-time advocate for animal-free design and a perennial PETA favorite — received the award for Best Luxury Moment. The British designer was recognized for showcasing plant-based feathers, created by UK company Fevvers, during her Paris Fashion Week presentation.
Her collection was one of several this year to highlight innovative materials that replace traditional animal-derived textiles.
Top Honors for Vegan Innovation
A significant number of 2025 winners were celebrated for championing next-generation vegan materials:
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Maison Margiela won Best Vegan Knitwear for its continued use of hemp in place of animal fibers.
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Ganni took home Best Vegan Leather Collection for its Oleatex line, produced from olive-based leather alternatives.
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Coperni received the Most Wanted Award for its trending cactus-leather jacket.
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Vivobarefoot earned Best Vegan Footwear for its Gobi sneakers, made from a mushroom-derived material.
Manufacturers advancing the development of animal-friendly textiles were also acknowledged.
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Caxacori won the Innovation Award for its Shiringa Bio-Leather.
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Tandem Repeat secured Best Plant-Based Wool for its yarn spun from beer waste.
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Alma New York claimed Best Vegan Handbags for accessories crafted from Banofi banana leather.
Industry Shifts Recognized
The awards also celebrated policy changes within the fashion ecosystem. Amsterdam Fashion Week was honored with the Best Runway Moment for banning fur and feathers from all shows — a landmark decision within the global fashion calendar.
French label Ba&sh won the Best High Street Moment for committing to PETA’s Featherless Pledge.
Actress Cate Blanchett was recognized with the Red Carpet Award for her consistent promotion of animal-free designs at major public events.