The Fur Free Alliance (FFA), of which Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and LAV are members, is pleased that the leading global fashion house Gucci has announced it will no longer use animal fur, beginning with its spring summer 2018 collection. Gucci’s President and CEO, Marco Bizzarri, announced the fur-free policy on Wednesday, October 11, during the 2017 Kering Award for Sustainable Fashion ceremony.[teaserbreak]
Gucci’s commitment follows a long-standing relationship with The HSUS and LAV—members of the international Fur Free Alliance, a coalition of more than 40 animal protection organizations working together to end the fur trade.
Gucci’s fur-free policy includes mink, coyote, raccoon dog, fox, rabbit, and karakul (otherwise known as Swakara, Persian lamb or astrakhan) and all others species specially bred or caught.
HSUS and LAV will continue to support Gucci in identifying and reducing its impact on animals and the environment.
The company joins many other leading fashion brands and retailers in going fur-free—including Armani, HUGO BOSS, Yoox Net-a-Porter, Stella McCartney and more—and will be part of the international Fur Free Retailer Program.
Prashant Khetan, Born Free USA CEO and General Counsel, said: “Born Free USA is thrilled to welcome Gucci into the Fur Free Retailer Program. Not only is the decision to go fur-free compassionate, it is forward-thinking. As an ever greater number of consumers, designers, and brands recognize the cruelty of fur, the future of fashion truly is fur-free. With its global reach and influence, Gucci’s new fur-free commitment will help spread this important message and make fur-free fashion more accessible.”
Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President and CEO, said: “Being socially responsible is one of Gucci’s core values, and we will continue to strive to do better for the environment and animals. With the help of HSUS and LAV, Gucci is excited to take this next step and hopes it will help inspire innovation and raise awareness, changing the luxury fashion industry for the better.”
PJ Smith, senior manager of fashion policy for The HSUS, said: “With this announcement, Gucci will help to change the way the luxury fashion industry considers animals. There is a growing segment of new, ethically-minded consumers who care about innovation and social responsibility and want nothing to do with outdated and inherently cruel products, like fur. *** understands this and will likely reap the benefits as a result.”
Simone Pavesi, manager of animal free fashion for LAV, said: “Gucci’s decision will radically change the future of fashion. Respect for animals is becoming more entrenched in people’s values and the great names of fashion are gradually implementing social responsibility policies to reflect that. As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past.”
Joh Vinding, Chairman of Fur Free Alliance, said: “For decades animals in the fur industry has been subjected to intense cruelty, living their entire lives in miserable, filthy cages. Gucci’s new fur free policy marks a game-changer for the whole luxury fashion industry to follow. Gucci is taking a bold stand for animals, showing the world that the future of fashion is fur-free.”
About Fur Free Retailer
Fur Free Retailer is the world’s leading program to connect fur-free companies to consumers seeking ethical goods. The online Fur Free Retailer list provides consumers accurate information about a retailer’s fur policy, allowing them to make an informed choice when shopping. The program specifically aims to encourage companies to go fur-free and further the spirit of ethical consumerism.
Run in over 20 countries the Fur Free Retailer program is an international initiative of the Fur Free Alliance, a coalition of more than 40 leading animal and environmental protection organizations worldwide, representing millions of supporters around the world.
Fur Free Retailer is recognized by the ISO 26000:2010 Guidelines to Corporate Social Responsibility as an example of sectoral initiatives.
About Born Free USA
Born Free believes that every animal matters. Inspired by the Academy Award-winning film, Born Free, we work locally, nationally, and internationally on the conservation frontlines, in communities, classrooms, courtrooms, and the halls of Congress, to end wild animal cruelty and suffering, and protect threatened wildlife. Born Free USA also operates one of the country’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, which provides a permanent home for 600 primates. Many are retired from research facilities, some rescued from inhumane conditions at circuses, zoos, and private ownership. They have often endured a lifetime of abuse, neglect and cruelty. But at our sanctuary in Dilley, Texas, they are safe and live free.
Launched in 2002, Born Free USA is inspired by Virginia McKenna and her (late) husband Bill Travers, who, along with their son, Will, founded The Born Free Foundation (UK) in 1984. Their experience in Kenya filming the classic 1966 Academy Award-winning film Born Free, the story of Joy and George Adamson’s fight to successfully return Elsa the lioness to a wild and free life, launched the couple’s Compassionate Conservation movement, aimed at keeping wildlife in the wild. This movement continues to motivate millions of followers and activists across the globe. In 2007, Born Free USA merged with the Animal Protection Institute.
More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.