By Pam Ryan
One of the world's largest and most respected designers has committed to going fur-free by the end of next year.
The decision was announced in the HUGO BOSS Sustainability Report 2014 following discussions between the company and Fur Free Alliance.
The fashion company will be dropping all fur, including rabbit fur, from the Fall/Winter 2016 collection onward.
.@HUGOBOSS has gone fur free! http://t.co/XOIZhjjt4A pic.twitter.com/Yp9XohPItS
— Hunger Magazine (@HungerMagazine) July 6, 2015
Joh Vinding, Chairman of the Fur Free Alliance said: “HUGO BOSS has become a leader in the fashion world by taking a stand against animal cruelty and ending the use of fur in collections.
"The Fur Free Alliance hopes other luxury brands will follow HUGO BOSS’s lead, especially since there are now so many cruelty-free alternatives that are fashionable and indistinguishable from the real thing.”
FUR FREE VICTORY! We're thrilled that @HUGOBOSS pledges to drop all #fur from Fall 2016 collection onwards. pic.twitter.com/60eWRXd9OR
— Humane Society International (@HSIGlobal) July 6, 2015
Bernd Keller, Brand and Creative Director Sportswear at HUGO BOSS, said in the report: “From our Fall/Winter 2016 Collection onward, we will no longer be using raccoon dog or rex rabbits. This means we will not be using any farmed fur in any of our HUGO BOSS clothing collections and are sending out a clear signal."
"Today, we are therefore also successfully supplying “friendly fur” and “friendly leather” products. We want to use these products to inspire the present generation and especially the next generation with a new kind of luxury,” he added.
Animal lovers and ethical fashionistas alike have taken to Twitter in support of the HUGO BOSS decision.
No more fur @HUGOBOSS , Who else is in? Good job @FurFreeAlliance @GAIABrussels
— Jelle Engelbosch (@JelleEngelbosch) July 6, 2015
Congratulations @HUGOBOSS for opting for fashion with compassion! #furfreeretailer http://t.co/KPWQIT3gZo https://t.co/1rlonWZ9CP
— Claire Bass (@ClaireHSI) July 6, 2015
HUGO BOSS joins a growing list of fur-free fashion brands and retailers including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney, Zara and ASOS.