The fashion industry has seen a rise in alternative leather options, from fish…
NIFT 2025 · Communication Ability and English Comprehension · 5 questions
The fashion industry has seen a rise in alternative leather options, from fish skin to pineapple leaves to cork leather. High-end fashion brands like John Galliano, Prada, and Christian Dior have dabbled in fish skin options for their products; the practice itself has roots dating back centuries to multiple indigenous groups across the globe. Brands like Nanushka and Hugo Boss, meanwhile, have sought to use leather alternatives that are completely vegan.
Sustainable fashion aims to reduce pollution and waste in the manufacturing process while addressing overproduction and cutting down on CO₂ emissions. Sustainability is a complex concept, and faux leather only plays one part in the machine of sustainable fashion. While brands like Allbirds and Sojo have been transparent in addressing their environmental impacts, other brands have participated in greenwashing, promoting products as eco-friendly to consumers without actually improving their practices.
Vegan leather made from plastic materials like PVC and PU can still be harmful to the environment. But when made from natural materials, plant-based leathers make for great eco-friendly options. Additionally, vegan leather's lifespan is much shorter than real leather, so consider how often you'll be replacing this product when you do purchase it. Real leather does lead to high carbon emissions, but there are ways of making this kind of purchase a sustainable one. Taking good care of the product over time is essential. You can also aim to purchase your next leather good as a meat by-product with vegetable tanning, or from a producer that works with small farms.
Both forms of leather have ways to go in terms of sustainability, but by making an informed decision on your next leather purchase, whether it's vegan or not, you can contribute to their environmental impact.
Question 1
According to the passage, which of the following high-end fashion brands have not dabbled in using fish skin options as leather alternative?
A. The passage advocates the use of vegan leather and leather alternatives as they last for a long time and do not need to be replaced. This affects the profit margins of companies and slows down growth
B. The passage addresses the complexities of sustainability, and advocates the use of leather alternatives. The passage argues that the use of real leather gives rise to animal cruelty, and calls for a worldwide ban.
C. The passage provides a nuanced perspective on the role of leather in sustainable fashion. It unpacks the environmental impact of different leather alternatives and argues that one must make an informed decision by considering the stage of production and materials used, while purchasing an item.
D. The passage focuses on the misleading practices that run rampant, in the sustainable fashion industry and advocates the need for complete transparency in addressing the environment.
In the context of the passage, choose the option that includes all the statements that enumerate the ways in which we can make real leather a sustainable choice.
A. Purchase real leather which has a longer life span when compared to farm leather.
B. Purchase leather goods as a meat by-product with vegetable tanning.
C. Purchase leather goods from producers who work with large farms.
D. Mix real leather with plant based leathers.
E. Taking good care of leather products over time is essential to prolong their lives.
Choose the most appropriate term that refers to the practice of advertising products as eco-friendly without actually adopting concrete measures to improve business practices.
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