Versace to stop using fur in its collections

‘I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right’

Olivia Petter
Thursday 15 March 2018 12:23 GMT
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Original supermodels joined Donatella Versace on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week in September
Original supermodels joined Donatella Versace on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week in September (Rex Features)

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Donatella Versace has revealed that her eponymous luxury fashion label will stop using real animal fur in its products.

Despite fur once being a staple component of Versace’s opulent aesthetic, the Italian designer explained that she no longer feels comfortable with the concept of using real fur in an interview with The Economist’s 1843 magazine.

“Fur? I am out of that,” she said, “I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right.”

Donatella revealed no further details about the landmark change for the brand, which has been using fur in its collections since its launch in 1978.

Fur products featured in Versace’s collections as recently as autumn/winter 2018, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week in February.

The 1980s-inspired show was mix of brash tartans and uniform-like co-ords, reinvigorated with a punkish edge.

While fur was not a prominent feature in the collection, one model took to the runway in a black, fur-lined puffer jacket.

A model wears a fur-lined jacket on the Versace autumn/winter 2018 runway
A model wears a fur-lined jacket on the Versace autumn/winter 2018 runway (Rex Features)

By imposing a ban on fur products, Versace joins a number of other high-fashion labels that have committed to using faux alternatives including Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Armani and Hugo Boss.

Gucci revealed they would be going fur-free in October 2017, while Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo followed suit just two months later.

British model Erin O'Connor dons a floor-length fur coat on the Versace Haute Couture autumn/winter 2001 runway in Paris.
British model Erin O'Connor dons a floor-length fur coat on the Versace Haute Couture autumn/winter 2001 runway in Paris. (AFP/Getty Images)

“Killing animals for fur is cruel and outdated,” Kitty Block, Humane Society International’s president, said at the time.

“It’s hugely exciting to see forward-looking fashion designers such as Michael Kors take fur out of their collections.

“It’s clear that consumer demand for ethical fashion includes a strong desire for an end to fur and so we are delighted to welcome Michael Kors as a fur-free leader in luxury fashion.”

The Independent has contacted Versace for comment.

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