Christian Dior at paris Fashion Week
A model poses in a sheer white number finished with black detailing at the Christian Dior show at Paris Fashion Week. (Photo: REUTERS)

Seven of the world's fashion giants have been accused of using harmful chemicals in their childrens' products.

A Greenpeace study revealed that children's clothing and footwear produced by haute couture brands Christian Dior, Georgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes' contained chemicals it said were dangerous.

The campaign group sent 27 products to independent laboratories to test for the presence of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs).

Some products were also analysed for phthalates, per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), or antimony.

Sixteen products (59%) tested positive for one or more hazardous chemicals.

Of all products, 44% were found to be contaminated with NPEs and all products that were analysed for phthalates, PFCs and antimony tested positive.

To see the report visit:

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/Global/international/publications/toxics/2014/A-Fashionable-Lie.pdf

The chemicals are used for detergents, waterproofing and as additives in plastisol prints on clothing.

Geeenpeace said all clothing should be free of hazardous chemicals and urged all fashion houses to pledge to the eradication of them by January 1, 2020.

The report found:

  • The highest concentration of NPEs was detected in a Louis Vuitton-branded ballerina shoe manufactured in Italy and sold in Switzerland.
  • Three of the Dior products – a T-shirt, a polo shirt, and a knitted top – contained high concentrations of NPE.
  • Similarly high concentrations of NPEs were found in baby boots by Hermès and suede trainers by Louis Vuitton.
  • A high concentration of PFCs was found in a Versace waterproof jacket
  • Ionic PFCs were detected in all 5 articles tested for PFCs, two of which were by Louis Vuitton, with one product each by Dior, Giorgio Armani and Versace
  • Phthalates were found in two products by Dior, one by Dolce & Gabbana, and two by Marc Jacobs

The report came as London, Milan and Paris put on their fashion weeks.

Greenpeace said: "Our children deserve to live in a world free of
hazardous chemicals. Luxury brands need to match their trendsetting reputation by showing leadership in the sector and committing to detox our clothes and our future once and for all."

Christian Dior would not comment on the report. Georgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes had not responded to IBTimes UK enquiries.