The state of California in the U.S. has banned new fur sales, expanding from Los Angeles’ announcement in 2018 to ban the sale of fur clothing and accessories in the city.
The new law signed by California’s governor makes it illegal to “manufacture, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give donate or otherwise distribute a fur product in the state,” which applies to clothing and various accessories.
Business of Fashion reports this ban will not apply to second-hand fur products because fur products are used by Native American tribes for spiritual or cultural purposes.
California’s governor Gavin Newsom says this ban is “one of the strongest animal rights laws in U.S. history – making California the first state in the nation to ban new fur sales”.
For Los Angeles in 2018, its ban was unanimously voted in and it directed the Los Angeles City Attorney to design a policy that would make fur sales completely illegal.
Council member Bob Blumenfield, who introduced the motion, said: “This is L.A. taking a stand and saying we will no longer be complicit in the inhumane and vile fur trade that’s been going on for years.”
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Recently London Fashion Week made headlines of anti-fur protesters outside shows alongside widespread climate change protests. Following mounding pressures from animal right activists multiple fashion brands have committed to no longer using fur in its collections.
Burberry, having suffered much controversy, announced in 2018 that it would be reconsidering its use of fur.
“On the limited occasions ... fur has been considered important to design, we have insisted that it is sourced from authorised, regularly inspected suppliers operating to high ethical standards,” the fashion house told the Sunday Times. “There wasn’t any real fur in Burberry’s September 2017 or February 2018 runway collections. We can confirm that we are currently reviewing our use of real fur.”
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Since more fashion brands have pledged to go fur-free as well:
DVF
Former CFDA chair Diane von Furstenberg’s namesake brand pledged to forgo using animal fur as well, as of 2019. DVF CEO Sandra Campos tells the CFDA: “It’s time for us to make this change and accept responsibility to ensure that we don’t promote killing animals for the sake of fashion. We are committed to supporting the shift to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry by providing the consumer with innovative and sophisticated alternatives. Beginning with 2019, DVF will not incorporate the use of exotic skins, mohair, angora, or fur.”
Gucci
In October 2017, Gucci CEO Marco Bizzari revealed that Gucci would be removing fur from all its collections as of Spring/Summer 2018. "We've been talking about it, Alessandro and I, for a few months. Technology is now available that means you don't need to use fur. The alternatives are luxurious. There is just no need," Bizzarri told Vogue.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors committed to going fur-free in December 2017, with production of fur set to be phased out by the end of December 2018. The company's policy also applies to the Jimmy Choo brand, which Kors acquired in July.
Versace
Donatella Versace announced in March of this year that her family's brand will no longer use real fur in its products. "Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right," the Italian designer told Luke Leitch in an interview for The Economist's 1843 magazine.
Donna Karan
DKNY and Donna Karan's parent company announced that the brands will be going fur-free in 2019. This comes as a result of a long standing relationship with Humane Society International's American affiliate HSUS. "HSI is delighted that since Gucci declared fur to be out-dated, designers have been racing to prove their relevance by dropping the archaic material," said Wendy Higgins, director of international media at HSI.
Armani
Giorgio Armani revealed his intentions to stop using fur in March 2016. The brand committed to the new policy for its Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Privé Collections from Autumn/Winter 2016 onwards.
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is one of the designers who has been anti-fur for a very long time. She banned fur from her collections in 2007 after meeting with members of PETA.
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