Luxury brands with questionable sustainability practices

Armani is included in this ranking due to allegations of labor exploitation within its supply chains. Prosecutors in Milan uncovered workshops where immigrant workers, often undocumented and severely underpaid, produced leather bags that were then sold to the brand for a tiny fraction of their retail price. These practices raise serious questions about the ethics and sustainability of its production.

Victoria's Secret has faced criticism for its fast fashion business model, characterized by aggressive discounts and the use of high-emission materials like conventional cotton and virgin polyester. Despite some recent commitments to more sustainable practices, such as sourcing sustainable cotton, the brand still lacks comprehensively published sustainability initiatives and has faced reports of discarded products.

Hermès is included in this ranking due to persistent concerns regarding its sustainability practices, particularly concerning the use of exotic skins. Despite the brand's stated efforts to ensure responsible sourcing, groups like PETA have highlighted the inherent cruelty in obtaining crocodile, ostrich, and snake skins for its luxury products, such as the iconic Birkin bags. Furthermore, questions have been raised about its human rights policies, particularly concerning labor conditions.

Dior has faced allegations of labor exploitation within its supply chains, with investigations in Italy revealing immigrant workers in precarious conditions and extremely low wages. The brand has come under scrutiny for practices that contradict principles of sustainability and ethics in luxury goods production. Furthermore, it has agreed to pay fines for allegedly misleading customers about how some of its bags were made.

Valentino has faced scrutiny due to allegations of labor exploitation within its supply chain. A unit of the brand, Valentino Bags Lab Srl, was placed under judicial administration in 2025 for subcontracting production to firms accused of exploiting workers. This highlights shortcomings in the brand's sustainability practices and ethical labor oversight.

Gucci has faced significant scrutiny regarding the credibility of its sustainability claims, particularly after retracting its carbon-neutral status. Despite initiatives such as renewable energy use and upcycling projects, the brand has been criticized for a lack of transparency in its emissions metrics and the perception that its efforts do not fully address the impact of overproduction.

Loro Piana was placed under judicial administration in Italy following an investigation that uncovered alleged labor exploitation in subcontracted workshops. Workers in China were found working up to 90 hours per week and paid €4 an hour to produce coats selling for thousands of euros. This situation highlights the brand's failure to adequately oversee its suppliers, raising serious questions about its sustainability practices and labor ethics.

Coach is included in this ranking due to its sustainability practices, which have been rated as "Not good enough," despite its efforts to incorporate lower-impact materials and recycling programs. The brand has faced criticism for its reliance on controversially sourced leather and for not publishing aggregate data on materials used or carbon emissions, raising questions about the transparency of its green initiatives.