Fashion and animal welfare have always had a turbulent relationship, but UK fashion house WildlifeWorks has been working with the RSPCA to redress the balance and "design a dress that puts animal welfare at the top of the fashion industry agenda". Basing the company philosphy upon consumer-powered conservation, CEO Andrew Smith created the ethically-made dress after winning Fashion Retailer of the Year 2007 at the RSPCA Good Business Awards.
Having debuted during London Fashion Week as part of their "global traveller"-inspired A/W '08-9 collection, the RSPCA dress is a concoction of delicate georgette silk and chiffon. It go on sale for £350 from mid-July, £40 of which is donated to the RSPCA. A further 3% of total sales will go towards funding WildlifeWorks' eco-factory and wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. What do you think of this example of high fashion with a conscience? [Via Catwalk Queen]
It seems odd to make a big deal out of an 'animal friendly dress' that is made with silk ... or do silkworms not count?