Michael Kors made headlines in December 2017 after announcing the fashion house would no longer use animal fur in any of its products. According to the company's press release, "the fur-free policy will cover both Michael Kors and the recently acquired Jimmy Choo line." The move came after a meeting with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and Michael Kors follows in the footsteps of other luxury retailers like Gucci who have gone fur-free. More and more brands are opting to adhere to ethical guidelines [1] when it comes to sourcing products, and that's something we can all stand behind. Read on to see which major fashion houses have banned the use of fur, as we hope this list continues to grow in 2018.
Michael Kors
In December 2017, the brand announced it was going fur-free after meeting with PETA officials. The policy would cover both Michael Kors Collection and the Jimmy Choo line.
Gucci
Starting with its Spring/Summer 2018 collection [2], Gucci banned the use of fur. Gucci also joined the Fur Free Alliance [3], an organisation dedicated to ending the exploitation and killing of animals for their fur.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is one of the most well-known designers who's committed to sustainable and ethical practices when it comes to her products, all of which are vegan.
Kate Spade New York
According to Kate Spade's company website [4] on ethical sourcing, it has a policy against using animal fur in products with the "exception of lamb shearling and calf hair." The fashion house also "discourages the use of exotic skins."
Armani
In 2016, Armani announced the brand would stop using animal fur [5], starting with the Autumn 2016 collection [6].
Hugo Boss
As of Autumn 2016, Hugo Boss stopped using fur. A spokesman for the brand [7] said, "For many years Hugo Boss has continuously decreased the use of fur and subsequently, only a very small share was left in the last collections. The last rabbit fur used was for select pieces only (trims on hoods and on sleeves for example), which we have now completely dropped."
Lacoste
The French clothing company announced in December 2014 that it would stop selling angora wool products, which are made from angora rabbits.
Vivienne Westwood
The brand revealed in October 2007 after meeting with PETA that it would go fur-free.
Ralph Lauren
In April 2007, after a meeting with PETA, the label dropped all fur from its clothing lines. The brand made an even larger statement for its Autumn 2015 collection [8] when it released a host of "fur like" pieces that were actually made from shearling.
Tommy Hilfiger
In March 2007, Tommy Hilfiger announced it would stop using fur in its collection for ethical reasons.
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein stopped using fur [9] in its collection back in 1994, with the designer saying, "the fur segment of our business simply did not fit with our corporate philosophy any longer."