Animal welfare organizations Humane Society International and USA, along with the Fur Free Alliance, have united to urge the Max Mara Fashion Group to discontinue the use of fur in its products. Max Mara is among the few remaining major fashion brands that continue to sell items made from fox fur, raccoon fur, and mink sourced from China and Finland in its numerous stores worldwide. Despite a growing trend towards fur-free fashion, Max Mara persists in supporting the fur trade.
Many renowned fashion houses have already embraced the fur-free movement, including Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Jimmy Choo, as well as industry pioneers like Hugo Boss, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. The call for Max Mara to abandon fur is based on the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of animals, the environmental impact of fur production, and the potential health risks associated with wearing fur.
Statistics reveal that approximately 10 million foxes, martens, minks, and chinchillas are killed annually on fur farms within the EU, despite bans on fur farming in 15 Member States. Countries such as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, and others have already prohibited fur farming due to animal welfare concerns. Switzerland and Germany have implemented stringent regulations that effectively put an end to fur farming within their borders.
The global fur trade continues to raise alarms for its inhumane treatment of animals, with millions of creatures suffering and perishing each year. The collective efforts of animal welfare organizations aim to raise awareness and push for a more compassionate approach to fashion. Max Mara's stance on fur remains a topic of contention, as the company has yet to respond to requests for comments on the matter.
