Well here’s something you don’t hear every day: according to Vogue, the Armani Group has pledged to go “100% fur-free across all labels from the autumn/winter 2016 collection onwards” — at least according to Respect for Animals and Humane Society International.
“I am pleased to announce that the Armani Group has made a firm commitment to abolish the use of animal fur in its collection,” Armani is quoted as saying. “Technological progress made over the years allows us to have valid alternatives at our disposition that render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals. Pursuing the positive process undertaken long ago, my company is now taking a major step ahead, reflecting our attention to the critical issues of protecting and caring for the environment and animals.”
However, the brand itself hadn’t confirm the news yet — at least as of this morning — so we can likely assume an official statement soon. Meanwhile, the Fur Free Alliance has expressed their approval of this development.
“Armani’s fur-free announcement makes it clear that designers and consumers can have creative and luxury all without supporting animal cruelty,” said Joh Vinding, chairman of the Fur Free Alliance. “Mr. Armani has been a trendsetter in the fashion world for decades and this latest announcement is proof that compassion and innovation are the future of fashion.”
Preach!
“But Anne,” you say. “You literally own eight fur coats, you monster.”
And that is correct — but lest we forget that vintage fur and new fur are entirely different. The former? It’s recycling. As in: my coats are decades older than I am, and they’ve belonged to somebody else for many moons, so instead of buying a new fur coat (and as if), I’ve opted not to waste what already exists by buying fur second-hand. Horray!
But new fur? No thank you. It’s 2016, and we all know exactly what goes on in fur mills, so we should know better. Also, Armani’s (supposed) quote is correct: technology has allowed for major advances to be made in the way synthetics come into play. We’re not talking the fake fur of the 1970s (which feels terrible) — we’re living in the age of fake leather so convincing that I actually can’t tell which shoes of mine are legitimate or not.
So we can do this! Old-ass real fur (#recycling) or new fake fur! Responsible buying! Happy animals! We can do this, put our backs into this! I’m proud of us all.
