Hundreds rally against fur at Milan fashion week

On Saturday, a protest against the use of animal fur in fashion unfolded in Milan during the city's fashion week, according to an AFP photographer. Signs held by protesters read "Fashion Victims" and "Their Lives Are Worth More Than Your Outfit," urging organizers to ban fur from the event. While London and New York have prohibited fur on their runways, Milan has only requested brands to avoid using it.

The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT) has urged the fashion week's organizers to completely prohibit fur from the shows. Major fashion houses like Armani, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana already prohibit the use of fur, but there are exceptions in Italy, such as Fendi, which is part of the French LVMH group. Protests have frequently disrupted Milan's four annual fashion weeks, highlighting the cruelty of breeding animals for fur and the often poor conditions they endure.

The global fashion industry's reliance on fur has declined significantly in recent years due to heightened awareness of animal welfare, shifting consumer preferences, and the emergence of synthetic alternatives.