Gucci is one of the world’s most famous and recognizable luxury fashion brands. Based in Florence, Italy, Gucci was founded in 1921 and has become iconic for its leather goods and opulent, maximalist aesthetic.
In recent years, veganism has been on the rise globally. More and more consumers are choosing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternatives to animal products. So is the ultra-luxury brand Gucci keeping up with the changing times by offering vegan options? Let’s take a closer look.
Gucci’s Use of Leather and Fur
When most people think of Gucci, images of supple leather bags, shoes, belts and jackets likely come to mind. Gucci has relied heavily on leather over the decades and has become known for its high-quality Italian leather goods.
In addition to leather, Gucci has also traditionally used fur in many of its clothing and accessory designs. Mink and fox fur have been seen trimming jackets, coats, hats, handbags and shoes. While luxurious, these materials are decidedly not vegan.
Gucci’s Shift Away from Fur
In 2017, Gucci made headlines around the world when it announced it would go completely fur-free starting with its Spring/Summer 2018 collection. This decision was part of Gucci’s new commitment to sustainability and social responsibility under the leadership of creative director Alessandro Michele.
Gucci’s fur-free policy includes mink, racoon, rabbit and karakul skins, as well as any fur from threatened species. Any fur still seen on Gucci designs is now faux. The brand has also pledged to auction off its remaining fur designs and donate the proceeds to animal rights organizations.
While applauded by animal welfare advocates around the world, Gucci has not made a commitment to stop using leather. Leather goods remain a core component of its product lineup.
Vegan Leather and Other Animal-Free Materials
Although leather is still prominent across its collections, Gucci has quietly introduced some vegan leather pieces made from alternative materials like Demetra – a specially-developed ECONYL nylon fabric with a leather-like texture and look.
There are a few sneakers, handbags, small accessories and ready-to-wear pieces made using the Demetra vegan leather alternative. However, the selection is very limited compared to Gucci’s expansive leather offerings.
Gucci also uses some other animal-free materials like cotton, linen, silk, wool and cashmere across its ranges. So there are non-leather products available, but most contain some animal-derived components.
Gucci Beauty Goes Vegan
In July 2021, Gucci announced its makeup and skincare lines would go completely vegan by the end of the year. Any products containing animal derivatives would be reformulated using vegan ingredients.
This included eliminating beeswax, carmine and cholesterol from its cosmetics. Gucci said the change was part of its commitment to raise industry standards for animal welfare and decrease its environmental impact.
As of January 1, 2022 all Gucci beauty products are certified vegan by the Italian Vegan Society. The certification applies to its makeup, skincare, fragrance and accessories like brushes.
Gucci’s Collaboration with Vegan Fashion Brands
To appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z consumers, Gucci has partnered with two buzzy vegan fashion brands – Underground England and Ahimsa Goat Yoga – on limited-edition genderless capsule collections.
Underground England uses plant-based materials like pineapple leaf fiber rather than leather or wool. Ahimsa harvests its wool humanely and non-violently from rescued goats.
While small, these creative brand collaborations allow Gucci to dip its toe into animal-free fashion in an experimental way without overhauling its core leather business…at least for now.
Gucci’s Sustainability Efforts and Commitments
Gucci maintains a strong focus on improving the social and environmental sustainability of its operations even as demand for its products continue to grow globally.
In addition to going fur-free, some of Gucci’s key sustainability commitments include:
- Achieving a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
- Tracing 95% of raw materials used, especially leather, to verify responsible sourcing
- Increasing usage of recycled and sustainably sourced raw materials
- Eliminating single-use plastics from its supply chain
The company publishes annual sustainability reports tracking its progress and has formed partnerships focused on sustainability initiatives and social justice causes.
While many of Gucci’s efforts focus on reducing the negative impacts linked to leather production, it has yet to set any target timeline for phasing out leather goods completely in favor of vegan alternatives.
Is Gucci Really Vegan?
Based on Gucci’s continued heavy usage of leather, reluctance to offer an expansive vegan range, and lack of a public commitment to fully transition away from animal materials, the brand is not vegan as of 2023.
However, Gucci deserves recognition for taking steps like banning fur, reformulating its cosmetics to vegan standards, partnering with plant-based brands, and investing in sustainability.
As consumer interest rises, Gucci may expand its vegan offerings in the future. But leather remains too integral to Gucci’s DNA and bottom line for now.
Gucci Vegan Product Guide
For ethically-minded shoppers looking for Gucci items free of animal products, here is a quick guide:
Vegan Items
- Makeup and skincare
- Fragrances
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry and watches
- Silk/wool scarves and apparel
- Some shoes, bags and accessories in Demetra “vegan leather”
- Most ready-to-wear pieces (check materials)
Not Vegan
- Leather handbags, wallets, belts, shoes etc.
- Shearling/fur jackets and accessories
- Silk containing animal derivatives
- Wool containing animal derivatives
- Leather watches/jewelry straps
Use Caution
- Adhesives used in shoes and accessories
- Glues and dyes used on materials
- Check collection details for each item
The Future of Veganism at Gucci
The rise of eco-conscious luxury consumers and availability of high-quality vegan materials may motivate Gucci to expand its animal-free offerings in the future. But Gucci also risks alienating its core customer base if it moves away from leather too quickly.
Striking the right balance will be key for a heritage brand like Gucci. It may take a bold visionary leader like Stella McCartney who can gradually transition an iconic label toward veganism while retaining its essence and reputation for luxury.
For now, Gucci remains a decidedly non-vegan brand – but one that is evolving and taking steps in a more ethical direction. Consumers will keep applying pressure for Gucci and other prestigious fashion houses to offer cruelty-free, sustainable options aligned with modern values.
Conclusion
Gucci is not a vegan brand. Leather, wool, silk and other animal materials remain integral to Gucci’s identity and most of its products. However, Gucci has banned fur across all collections, reformulated its cosmetics to vegan standards, introduced some vegan leather pieces, and is investing in sustainability.
While Gucci still has a long way to go before it can be considered vegan, the brand is demonstrating a willingness to adapt some practices in alignment with animal welfare and environmentalism. With luxury consumers increasingly seeking ethical options, Gucci may expand its vegan offerings over time. But for now, its heavy use of leather prevents Gucci from being able to call itself a truly vegan brand.