Cruelty-free takes the fashion world by storm

A recent surge in public and governmental awareness about the cruelty involved in factory fur farming is thanks to the tireless efforts of animal advocates across the world.

Animal rights activists — from grassroots to our largest AR organizations — are persuading governments and communities to change policies and legislation for the benefit of animals who suffer in this cruel industry.

Top fashion brands embrace fur-free

The growing trend in fur-free fashion is being spearheaded by some of the world’s leading fashion designers, who are helping pave the way to a fur-free future in fashion. Over the past year, we’ve seen top fashion brands including Gucci, Michael Kors, Versace, and Maison Margiela commit to going fur-free. Read more in Vogue’s recent article on this topic.

John Galliano, Creative Director of Maison Margiela told Vogue that he changed his perspective on fur after a conversation with an animal rights activist. His beloved dog, Gipsy, also played a part!

“Galliano has been thinking on the idea of a “new glamour” and about what the modern woman really wants — and more and more, that doesn’t include fur.”

In an interview with The Guardian, Donatella Versace said:

“I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right.”

City and country-wide fur bans on the rise

In January, the Norwegian government became the first Nordic country to ban fur farming by announcing its plans to phase out all fox and mink farms by 2025. Shortly after, in a remarkable move, city supervisors in San Francisco voted to ban the sale of new fur products. This ordinance, set to go into effect on January 1, 2019, will make San Franciso the first major U.S. city to ban the sale of new fur products. Two other California cities, Berkeley and West Hollywood, outlawed fur sales in 2013.

Image credit: Mink on a fur farm. Quebec, Canada, 2016. Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals.

Momentum is building, but there’s still much work to be done. In many countries where fur farming is banned, the import and export of fur is still prevalent. The ongoing efforts of anti-fur campaigners around the globe are as relevant as ever.

ACTAsia showcasing fur-free fashion in China

VegFund grantee, ACTAsia is taking the fur issue in China head-on through an innovative campaign to educate consumers about China’s central role in the global fur trade and showcase compassionate alternatives. In a country where very little attention is given to the cruelty inherent in factory fur farming, ACTAsia’s focus on this issue is breaking new ground.

Ms Pei F. Su, founder & CEO of ACTAsia told Newswire:

“China has become the biggest fur manufacturer and fur consumer country because of a lack of animal protection laws and caring for life education. In addition to abusing animals, this industry is damaging the environment and toxic chemicals dangerous to human health have been repeatedly found in fur clothing”.

In 2016, ACTAsia, in collaboration with Green & Gorgeous, hosted their third successful Fur Free Fashion Show, which attracted more than 300 attendees and reached tens of millions more through media coverage. In May 2018, they hosted their fourth Fur Free Fashion Show with a VegFund-supported “Compassionate Choice Gala Banquet,” in Shanghai — the largest and most influential city in China, and its fashion capital.

“It is a major and ground-breaking accomplishment to present the fashion show and gala plant-based dinner in the economic and cultural center of China” ~ ACTAsia

The goal of ACTAsia’s Fur Free Fashion Show is to showcase a vegan lifestyle on an international stage as a “compassionate, environmentally-friendly and trend-setting way of life.” Activists plan to use the event to reach a diverse audience, including fashion designers, clothing manufacturers, celebrities, singers, models, and event attendees.

There are five key outcomes they strive to achieve from this event:

• to raise awareness of the issues relating to animal exploitation in the fur industry
• to present a plant-based diet as trendy, high-status, and compassionate to influential attendees and to millions through media outreach
• to demonstrate that a plant-based gala dinner can be tasty, satisfying, and high-style, and in sync with an image of the Chinese as economic and cultural leaders
• to provide consumers with humane shopping options and encourage fashion designers and manufacturers to produce products that are sourced humanely
• to promote the Fur Free Retailer campaign in China and encourage more Chinese fashion retailers, brands, and celebrities to join and support the campaign.

“Each year the show has increased in size, duration, attendees, and media attention. Last year’s show had a media reach estimated at more than 100 million. Importantly, the show has become a networking opportunity for animal advocates across China. In a country that plays an oversized role in determining the fate of our civilization and myriad other species, this is a place where personal connections can ripple through a nascent movement at a critical time.” ~ ACTAsia

Founded in 2006, with the purpose of “helping Asian countries evolve into compassionate societies respectful of all forms of life,” ACTAsia applies a strategic and innovative approach in its advocacy efforts to maximize its impact. Follow the latest from ACTAsia, including their upcoming Fur Free Fashion Show, by following them on Facebook and Twitter today!

Interested in hosting an event like this one in your community? Check out VegFund’s Innovative Outreach grant program details for more information and to apply.

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Feature image credit: ACTAsia