Making the Switch: Dolce & Gabbana Goes Fur Free, Joining Multiple Other Houses - Lookbook

“The entire fashion system has a significant social responsibility role that must be promoted and encouraged.”

Dolce and Gabbana have officially banned using animal fur in their collections. It comes after decades of protests from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), where they’ve organized several rallies outside the Italian brand’s stores.

In addition, PETA says they’ve received over 300,000 emails from global supporters for the cause. 

It’s another milestone for the organization that also persuaded Oscar de la Renta, Dove, Mattel, and Hasbro to go cruelty-free.

READ ALSO: Fashion Rep: Stella McCartney Launches A Whimsical Anti-Cruelty Campaign After Attending The G7 Summit

Switching to faux

No longer an enemy to ethical warriors, D&G is now endorsed by organizations like the Humane Society of the U.S. and Humane Society International.

According to Fedele Usai, D&G’s communications and marketing officer, they’re working toward a sustainable future that “can’t contemplate the use of animal fur.” PETA commended the move calling it “compassionate and business-savvy,” while encouraging the public to urge more brands to follow suit. 

One of PETA’s high-profile protests against fur outside a Dolce & Gabbana store. / Photo from PETA.org

“The entire fashion system has a significant social responsibility role that must be promoted and encouraged,” Usal added to D&G’s statement.

The 37-year-old brand joins Moncler, who recently announced to discontinue using fur altogether by 2024, and all Kering brands, including Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent. At the same time, department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus will stop selling fur products by 2025. 

Cruelty-free movement

Italy, where D&G is based, has disallowed fur farming in December 2021. They announced the same law a month earlier in France, which took effect immediately. However, there are already 20 countries that banned fur earlier, like Ieland (2020), Slovakia (2019, Norway (2018), and the Czech Republic. Nations considering proposed legislations are Spain, Bulgaria, and Poland, to name a few. 

On Instagram, D&G announced its work with fur artisans or “master furries” will continue due to their “indispensable added value.” But this time, with eco-friendly materials and sustainable faux fur alternatives. 

Banner photo from dolcegabbana.com

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