India – ESG News: In a powerful convergence of style and ethics, over 50 of India’s top fashion designers have pledged to go feather-free, aligning their brands with a kinder, more sustainable future. The commitment—launched on Fashion Day, July 9—is the result of a joint appeal by iconic British designer Stella McCartney and PETA India, aimed at educating the fashion industry on the cruelty behind feather sourcing.

The movement is gaining momentum under PETA India’s “Feather-Free Pledge”. The list of designers leading this change reads like the guest list of an haute couture gala: Anita Dongre, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Gaurav Gupta, Rina Dhaka, Jade by Monica and Karishma, Shyamal & Bhumika, Krésha Bajaj, and dozens more have joined forces to declare their collections cruelty-free—forever.

This growing coalition of fashion powerhouses is responding to growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability. Fueled by PETA India’s advocacy and McCartney’s global influence, the pledge sends a clear signal: the age of compassionate couture has arrived.

Why It Matters

Birds like geese, ducks, and ostriches—intelligent, social animals—are often plucked alive or killed solely for their feathers. The practice, long shielded from public view, has come under increased scrutiny thanks to exposés and investigations into the feather trade.

According to Ashima Kukreja, PETA India’s Director of Corporate Affairs, “Behind every feathered ensemble or accessory are birds plucked alive or that did not want to die. PETA India applauds these forward-thinking designers for pledging to leave feathers on the birds who were born with them.”

Designer Gaurav Gupta commented: “At Gaurav Gupta, we believe in shaping the future of couture with compassion and consciousness. Signing PETA’s feather-free pledge is a natural extension of our cruelty-free vision.”

Ashish N Soni noted, “This isn’t about being politically correct—it’s what I truly believe. I’ll be encouraging my peers to follow suit.”

“Cruelty isn’t cool, people!” say Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla. “Kindness is the ultimate style statement.”

Innovation Is the New Luxury

As top fashion houses embrace vegan alternatives, designers are turning to high-tech and sustainable materials—such as bamboo, recycled metals, and upcycled textiles—to replicate the elegance and motion of traditional feathers. This innovation not only spares animal lives but also speaks to a new generation of eco-conscious consumers demanding purpose-driven luxury.

A Global Movement

Stella McCartney and PETA’s appeal is part of a broader global initiative. With rising environmental awareness and a shift toward cruelty-free fashion, the feather-free movement is gaining international traction, inspiring brands from Paris to Mumbai to rethink their material choices.

Full list of all 55+ designers who signed the Feather-Free Pledge:

1. Anita Dongre
2. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
3. Shyamal Shodhan and Bhumika Shodhan, Shyamal & Bhumika
4. Gaurav Gupta
5. Monica Shah, Jade by Monica and Karishma
6. Arshia Singh
7. Aarti Vijay Gupta
8. Shubhika Sharma, Papa Don’t Preach
9. Krésha Bajaj
10. Rajdeep Ranawat
11. Nina Lekhi, Baggit
12. Rina Dhaka
13. Divya Sheth
14. Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena
15. Amar Nagaram, Virgio
16. Abhishek Roy, Roy Calcutta
17. Ashish N Soni
18. Niki Mahajan
19. Anjana Bhargav
20. Purvi Doshi
21. Preeti Verma, Runaway Bicycle
22. Pradeep Krishnakumar and Disha Singh, Zouk
23. Pia Trivedi, Pia’s Faux
24. Shreya Moona, The Frou Frou Studio
25. Sneha Arora
26. Richard Pandav and Amit Vijaya, Amrich Designs
27. Aneeth Arora, Pero
28. Rina Singh, EKA Design Studio
29. Shradha Kochhar, Studio LOTA
30. Rishi Choudhary, Ritambh Couture
31. Raakesh Agarvwal
32. Ashish Pandey
33. Pallavi Singh, ARCVSH
34. Nupur Batra, Ananaya By Nupur
35. Dhruv Kapoor
36. Abirr & Nanki, Limerick Designs
37. Sidharth Sinha, N&S Gaia
38. Jattinn Kochhar
39. Rahul Singh
40. Rahul Luthra, Raabta by Rahul
41. Shantanu Goenka
42. Ritesh Kumar
43. Nida Mahmood
44. Paresh Lamba
45. Sushma Mehta Shah, Rejuvenate Jewels
46. Uma Prajapati, Upasana Design Studio
47. Pallavi Dhyani, THREE
48. Charu Parashar
49. Pankaja Sethi
50. Nandini Baruva, Kirameki
51. Sidhant Mahapatra
52. Sarthak Khandelwal, Vykati India
53. Kiran Uttam Ghosh
54. Tejas Gandhi
55. Aman Takyar
56. Archana Jain, Florian Foundation

A Fashion Statement for the Planet

This initiative isn’t just a win for birds—it’s a bold step for the future of sustainable fashion in India. By rejecting feathers, these designers hope to advance the conversation around ethical fashion and helping set a precedent for responsible design.

As consumers increasingly align their purchases with their values, designers have a clear message: sustainability is always in style.