LONDON – 11 OCTOBER 2017 – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and LAV, along with the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), are 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 & CEO Marco Bizzarri announced the fur-free policy on Wednesday, October 11^th during the 2017 Kering Talk at The London College of Fashion.

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.

Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s President & 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.”

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.”

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of new, ethically-minded consumers who care about innovation and social responsibility and want nothing to do with outdated and inherently cruel products, like fur. Gucci 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.”