Vivienne Westwood Goes Fur-Free

For Immediate Release:
24 October 2007

Contact:
Anita Singh +44 7725 962 869 (mobile)
Karen Chisholm +44 7357 9229, ext 229

London – Add Dame Vivienne Westwood to the growing list of designers going fur-free. The renowned British designer – who is credited with pioneering modern punk and new-wave fashions and who helped create the avant-garde look of the Sex Pistols – has decided to ban fur from her lines, now and forever. Westwood came to the decision after meeting with representatives of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Europe (PETA) and learning about the suffering of animals raised and trapped for fur. The last of Westwood’s furry items were eight rabbit-fur handbags, which the company allowed PETA to donate to a wildlife sanctuary. The bags will be used to comfort orphaned baby animals.

“As I have already confirmed to you in London, we have not used fur of any kind in next season’s collection – and have no plans to use it in the future”, wrote a Westwood representative in an e-mail to PETA.

Why is PETA celebrating Westwood’s pledge? PETA wants consumers to know that animals trapped for fur suffer excruciating pain before they are stomped to death or have their necks broken by trappers. On fur farms, rabbits, foxes, minks and other animals spend their entire lives confined to tiny, filthy cages before they are killed by poisoning, gassing, anal electrocution or neck-breaking. In China, now the world’s leading fur exporter, millions of animals on unregulated fur farms – including cats and dogs – are often skinned alive.

“Vivienne Westwood’s decision to go fur-free proves once again that she has always had her finger on the pulse of what young fashionistas are looking for”, says PETA’s Anita Singh. “By making this pledge, Westwood is taking a stand against one of the most hideous industries on the planet.”

Westwood joins other progressive designers – including Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Comme des Garçons and others – who have banned fur from their designs.

Broadcast-quality video footage of animals used for fur is available. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.