Having had sustainability forefront many of the industry's conversations, its no wonder that consumer priorities are really changing. What one thought was perhaps just a trend, it is now notable that mindful shopping has surpassed trend status and is here to stay.

In a call to response, we saw many of our world renown designers such as Stella McCartney, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Prada pave the way for a new norm in committing to fur free. We now have two more who have announced that they will join the list, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga have officially announced their commitment.

 

What may have once been a wild consideration, banning the use of fur is now becoming common practice among Maisons and ateliers worldwide.  With the continuing decline in the sales department, fur continues to be labeled as cruel, unethical and unsustainable with many boycotting it from their wardrobes. The many issues that fur production produces has been brought into the spotlight with the help of animal cruelty organisations such as PETA and different environmental lobbyists.

 

From the crammed, diseased and inhumane conditions of fur factory farms to the harmful environmental impacts of fur farming including the use of highly toxic chemicals such as chromium and formaldehyde that leak into our waterways - the use of fur in the fashion industry has been one that has been fought against from the beginning of time.

 

The use of fur is quickly being considered as out-dated with more consumers turning to vegan leather and faux fur alternatives in their consumer choices. Aligning with values in protecting our planet and our animals as well as a response to consumers, it is predicted that it is only a matter of time til more designers follow suit including Saint Laurent.

 

With Brexit and with the UK leaving the EU, Britain ignites their hopes of becoming the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur in the fashion market.