UPDATE: Condé Nast, the influential publisher behind Vogue, has just announced it will no longer feature “new animal fur in editorial content or advertising,” marking a critical victory for animal rights activists. This groundbreaking decision, revealed on July 15, 2023, follows decades of protests and advocacy aimed at dismantling the fur industry’s glamour.
This move is particularly significant given Vogue’s historical role in promoting fur fashion under the leadership of former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, a prominent supporter of fur. Now serving as chief content officer, Wintour’s involvement underscores the dramatic shift in the fashion media landscape as Condé Nast embraces fur-free policies.
The announcement comes after a nine-month campaign spearheaded by the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, which organized over a hundred protests against Condé Nast executives. Demonstrations included high-profile picketing outside Vogue editors’ homes and disruptive actions in retail spaces linked to the publisher.
Animal rights activism has deep roots, dating back to the late 19th century when the feather trade led to the extinction of bird species. The anti-fur movement gained momentum in the 1970s and saw a significant boost with the founding of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 1980, which launched iconic campaigns with celebrities advocating against fur.
Condé Nast’s new fur-free policy aligns it with other major media outlets and brands. Notably, Elle magazine adopted a similar stance in 2021, and luxury brands including Burberry, Chanel, and Versace have implemented fur bans as well. This collective action highlights a growing trend among consumers favoring ethical fashion choices.
Despite these advancements, fur remains a controversial topic in the fashion world. While TikTok’s 2024 “mob wives” aesthetic has reignited interest in fur, with oversized fur coats making winter runway appearances, the industry’s shift towards faux alternatives presents a complex narrative regarding sustainability.
As consumer values evolve, several U.S. states have enacted bans on fur sales, with countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands outlawing fur farming altogether. Yet, the largest remaining challenge lies with LVMH, which faces increasing pressure to adopt a fur-free policy across its luxury brands, including Dior and Fendi.
Amid these changes, fashion brands are grappling with their sustainability commitments, as evidenced by Ralph Lauren’s recent decision to drop its net-zero emissions target. The Vestiaire Collective is also navigating new market conditions by monetizing carbon credits through its pre-loved luxury item resale platform.
However, there are signs of progress. Notably, Stella McCartney’s Summer 2025 show at Paris Fashion Week featured innovative plant-based alternatives to feathers. Furthermore, Australia recently hosted its first Fashion Week with a ban on fur, feathers, and exotic leathers, indicating a significant cultural shift.
The question remains: Is Condé Nast’s decision a true tipping point in the fight against animal cruelty in fashion, or just another fleeting trend? As animal rights advocates, including Collective Fashion Justice founder Emma Hakansson, continue to push for reductions in animal-derived materials, the landscape of ethical fashion is evolving rapidly, and the impact of this announcement will be closely watched.
