15:00, 01 February 2022
Words by Smiley Team, Staff Writer, London
Dolce & Gabbana’s clothes are ritz, glitz and bright colours. But, as the saying goes ‘all that glitters is not gold’, and that’s certainly the case for their fur products, which they will drop from the catwalks in 2022.
After years of campaigning, animal rights activists are celebrating the designer brand’s decision to switch fur to an ‘eco’-alternative.
"Dolce & Gabbana is working towards a more sustainable future that can't contemplate the use of animal fur," said Fedele Usai, the brand’s communications and marketing officer, adding: "The entire fashion system has a significant social responsibility role that must be promoted and encouraged."
For future collections, the Italian label will use faux fur that meets guidelines set out by animal rights network, the Fur Free Alliance. In response to this move, activists around the world have applauded the brand.
Among them, the Fur Free Alliance lobbies companies to adopt animal-friendly practices. Its chairman, Joh Vinding said: “We celebrate Dolce & Gabbana for ending its association with fur cruelty and transitioning to more humane and innovative materials.”
Sailesh Mehta is a barrister defending campaigners from the Free Bunnies who lobbied Dolce & Gabbana to drop fur in 2020. She said: “It is gratifying to hear that Dolce & Gabbana are to become 'fur-free' for 2022. Long may this continue.”
Dolce & Gabbana joins a growing list of fashion companies ditching fur in favour of more ethical materials. Brands such as Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Moncler, Prada, Canada Goose, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga have also pledged to go fur-free.
Meanwhile, retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and H&M refuse to sell anything made from fur.
“The world is changing and brands like Dolce & Gabbana are rightly adapting to an evolving consumer, one that wants companies to take a stand against animal cruelty and innovate for a more sustainable future,” said Joh.
Chris DeRose, founder and president of Last Chance for Animals echoed these sentiments: "After years of campaigning and pressure by animal rights advocates, luxury labels are finally waking up to fur-free, the latest fashion trend. We hope this movement continues and finally puts an end to the cruel fur industry."
To protect animals from abuse donate to Last Chance for Animals or follow updates from the Fur Free Alliance.
Support the campaigners from Free Bunnies via 4freebunnies.com.
