FEVVERS: World-first, plant-based feather alternative
For Summer 2026, Stella McCartney unveils FEVVERS – the world’s first, plant-based alternative to feathers. A vegan and cruelty-free innovation, FEVVERS offers the beauty, texture and drama of traditional plumage, eliminating the need for animal-derived materials.
Over one billion birds are killed every year for their feathers and down. In many cases, birds are plucked alive in practices widely criticised for their cruelty. Conventional feather production is also resource-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and chemical pollution. South Africa’s ostrich industry alone emits over 62,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent emissions annually, while processing treatments often contaminate waterways and damage ecosystems.
Developed by UK-based start-up FEVVERS, the pioneering material makes its debut with Stella McCartney. Rather than replicating feathers, FEVVERS establishes a new visual language – lightweight, layered and expressive – without harming a single creature.
The innovation appears across corseted gowns and sculptural silhouettes in the Summer 2026 collection. Each strand is applied by hand in collaboration with Mumbai-based embroidery and textile house Chanakya International. With over four decades of experience and 13 generations of artisanship, Chanakya is renowned for its craftsmanship and commitment to empowering women through the Chanakya School of Craft.
By introducing FEVVERS to the runway, Stella McCartney continues to challenge the conventions of luxury. The innovation reflects a longstanding commitment to cruelty-free design and material experimentation, demonstrating that aesthetics and ethics can coexist without compromise.
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