Interest in alternatives to animal-derived materials is growing.
The newly established parent company Lux Experience B.V. has published its first Animal Welfare Policy, confirming the "animal"-free commitments already made by Mytheresa and its newly acquired store brands NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, YOOX and THE OUTNET (former YNAP group) (operating in the luxury e-commerce sector) and complementing them with new goals: after fur and angora wool, exotic skins (including kangaroo skin) are added to the ban and with an emphasis of next-gen materials.
LAV is pleased to find in the governance of the new LuxExperience B.V. listed group the same attention to the concerns already shared with Mytheresa and NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, YOOX and THE OUTNET, which translate into concrete actions consistent with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, where animal production and animal-derived materials can no longer have a place.
MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. has been renamed to LuxExperience B.V. following Mytheresa´s successful acquisition of the former YNAP group from Richemont. Under the umbrella of LuxExperience, NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, YOOX and THE OUTNET are operating as separate store brands next to Mytheresa. The merger allowed LuxExperience B.V. to close the fiscal year with revenues of €2.7 billion, positioning itself as the leading online retailer for luxury fashion globally
It is therefore clear how strategic it has been for LAV and fellow Fur Free Alliance member, Humane World for Animals, to work in recent years in a proactive dialogue to support the companies Mytheresa, YOOX, and Net-A-Porter (which later became YNAP Group in 2015), and subsequently with LuxExperience B.V., towards the progressive elimination of animal materials. These commercial decisions are the result of the awareness of the Group regarding the risks associated with animal derived fabrics.
From the moment our initial fur-free discussions began – nearly a decade ago – to today, Mytheresa, NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, YOOX and THE OUTNET have been engaged on animal welfare with a willingness to learn and set policy that aligns with consumer values. Humane World for Animals, along with LAV, look forward to continuing that work so that LuxExperience remains committed and proactive in regards to animal welfare within luxury for decades to come.
LuxExperience B.V.'s Animal Welfare Policy "is binding for all employees and management, and it applies to all our brand partners, suppliers, physical and digital stores, and events held by any of the store brands."
In its Animal Welfare Policy, LuxExperience B.V. explicitly refers to Next-Gen Materials as "Innovative fibers and materials designed for improved environmental and/or social outcomes when compared with conventional options, such as animal-derived materials". It also clearly acknowledges that "Despite efforts by industries to improve supply chain transparency and implement high standards of animal welfare, the Group is aware that animal welfare risks remain", thus leaving further scope for extending the policy.
LAV is currently promoting a specific amendment to the State’ 2026 Budget Law, entitled 'Measures to support the eco-sustainable transition in fashion,' aimed at establishing a dedicated fund within the budget of the Ministry of Made in Italy and Enterprise to finance Italian companies active in industrial research, experimental development, and the production of next-generation sustainable materials.
LuxExperience B.V.'s Animal Welfare Policy, drafted in collaboration with LAV and Humane World, provides:
The only exception to the general ban on the sale of exotic skins concerns watches with alligator and crocodile leather straps. As part of this policy, and in line with the changing needs and ethical choices of its customers, it is a goal for LuxExperience to continue monitoring animal welfare concerns associated with these materials in discussions with LAV and Humane World.