Armani Takes a Stand Against Fur

The Italian master has spoken: Giorgio Armani is giving up fur. The man himself said in a statement this week that technological advances “render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals.” Armani, who is 81, said the Armani group was making a “firm commitment” to eliminate fur from its designs.

Joh Vinding, chairman of Fur Free Alliance, said the decision by the fashion designer  “makes it clear that designers and consumers can have creative freedom and luxury all without supporting animal cruelty.” Also weighing in was Humane Society International, which said in a statement that the move is  “probably the most powerful message yet that killing animals for their fur is never fashionable.”

Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have also switched to synthetic fur alternatives.