Condé Nast, the influential publisher behind titles such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Glamour, has announced it will no longer feature “new animal fur in editorial content or advertising” across its platforms. This significant decision follows decades of protests and campaigns led by animal rights activists and ethical designers aimed at changing perceptions of fur in fashion.
The ban, which allows for exceptions related to “byproducts of subsistence and Indigenous practices,” signals a major turning point in the fashion media landscape. Given Condé Nast’s global reach, this policy shift is especially notable considering Vogue‘s historical role in glamorizing fur under former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, a long-time supporter of the fur industry and a frequent target of anti-fur protests. Wintour continues to influence the company as the chief content officer and global editorial director.
The decision comes after a nine-month campaign spearheaded by the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, which organized over one hundred protests directed at Condé Nast executives and affiliated businesses. Demonstrations included picketing outside the homes of Vogue editors and disruptive actions at stores associated with the publisher. While the campaign likely played a crucial role in prompting this change, the roots of animal rights activism in fashion extend back to the late 19th century, which saw the decline of bird populations due to the feather trade and the subsequent rise of anti-fur activism.
Animal rights efforts gained momentum in the 1970s, particularly with the founding of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 1980. PETA’s high-profile campaigns exposed the cruelty of fur farms, utilizing celebrity endorsements in their famous “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” advertisements. This activism has led to tangible changes in the industry; for instance, Calvin Klein announced a fur-free policy in 1994.
Many fashion brands have since adopted similar stances. Several states in the United States have implemented bans on fur sales, while countries such as the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Italy have outlawed fur farming. The recent policy by Condé Nast aligns it with other media and fashion leaders like Elle, which went fur-free in 2021, and luxury brands including Max Mara, Burberry, Chanel, Prada, and Valentino.
Despite these advancements, fur continues to capture attention in fashion circles. Recent trends, such as TikTok’s “mob wives” aesthetic featuring oversized fur coats, show a paradox within the industry. Additionally, singer Sabrina Carpenter was noted wearing a limited edition Louis Vuitton fox fur coat on the day of the Met Gala. This indicates fashion’s cyclical nature, where past trends can resurface despite ethical concerns.
In response to the growing scrutiny of animal-derived materials, some companies are exploring faux alternatives. However, debates about the environmental impact of synthetic materials complicate the narrative surrounding fur. Condé Nast’s fur-free stance emerges at a time when many brands are reassessing their sustainability commitments. For example, Ralph Lauren has recently stepped back from its net-zero emissions target, raising concerns that climate goals may be deprioritized.
On a positive note, progress continues in the industry. Stella McCartney showcased plant-based feather alternatives during her Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week show. This year’s Australian Fashion Week also marked a significant move, banning fur, feathers, and exotic leathers from the catwalks.
Animal rights advocates, including Emma Hakansson, founder of Collective Fashion Justice, are pushing for the industry to further reduce its reliance on leather, wool, and other animal-derived materials. The landscape of fashion is evolving, and whether Condé Nast’s decision signifies a true turning point or is simply another fleeting trend remains to be seen.
