A FUTURE FREE FROM FUR: GUCCI

It seems it is now the House of Gucci's tumultuous relationship with the infamous kangaroo fur-lined slipper that faces endangerment.

For those who wait for Gucci's future fur endeavours with baited breath, are to be sorely disappointed after the label's CEO Marco Bizzarri announced that fur will be cut out of Gucci's collections, effective from SS/18. Gucci is now registered within The Fur Free Alliance. It is not solely kangaroo furs that will be revoked from future designs. Mink, Raccoon, rabbit, fox and coyote, along with a plethora of other skins of animals bred for fur, are also to be banned from future lines. Bizzarri made the announcement on the 11th at a London College of Fashion event.

When Gucci is ushered from lips, we think of the sumptuous garishness its pieces offer, yet Bizzarri believes that this quintessence can be maintained without sacrificing our furry camarades. He asserts: "Being socially responsible is one of Gucci's core values, and we will continue to strive to do better for the environment and animals.", and placed emphasis on the element of 'Sustainability'. The CEO also cites Alessandro Michele, as a component in this change in the label's dynamics.

Upon the creative director's ascension in 2015, Michele has helped to propel forth a new, revitalising spirit of Gucci. Both Bizzarri, who was also appointed in 2015, and Michele are described to have dominated the resurrection of the the classic, but dated label. Bizzarri also asserted that the notion of being swathed in skins was no longer regarded to possess glamourous appeal and that Gucci would have to adapt accordingly, in order to re-invent itself as truely 'modern'.

It has been reported that remaining fur items are to be auctioned by Gucci and funds contributed towards animal-rights organisations.

The highly controversial Gucci Princetown slipper. Lined with Australian Kangaroo fur, the mules that are still available, range from £630-£700.

The Italian Powerhouse's decision has received an influx of praise. PETA has also exalted Gucci's decision.

Kitty Block, president of Humane Society International, welcomed the brand's "compassionate decision." She states:"Gucci going fur-free is a huge game-changer. For this Italian powerhouse to end the use of fur because of the cruelty involved will have a huge ripple effect throughout the world of fashion." Harriett Barclay, who works for the Humane Society International, quotes: "We are delighted by this news. Gucci is one of the biggest names in fashion and to have a brand with so much sway do this, we hope it'll filter down." Joh Vinding, the alliance's chairman, also asserts: "Gucci is taking a bold stand for animals, showing the world that the future of fashion is fur-free."

However, amongst the excitement and joy in response to Gucci's change of direction, some figures in the fashion industry are left bewildered. Mark Oaten, CEO of the International Fur Federation, declares: "Claiming they have done this for environmental reasons makes no sense."

He further stresses: "Fur is the most natural fashion item. It comes from nature and lasts for decades, unlike chemical-based fabrics or fake fur."

Marco Bizzarri (left) and Alessandro Michele (right)

With the Fashion's utilisation of furs throughout the 20th and 21st century, Gucci's discardment of this obsolete practice will most certainly have implications regarding thought processes that encompass the industry. It is hoped that this action taken by Gucci will resonate throughout not solely the mindsets of fashion's labels, but also its consumers.

Looks from the Gucci SS/18 Runway

Gucci's SS18 collection uses the notion of 'Eighties Opulence' as the focal point of its collection. It seems that the same beloved grandoise and excess that characterises Gucci, can be retained without the anguish and conflict fur farming cultivates. Gucci has now focused on the development of non-fur materials, with the principle of not relinquishing quality or luxury appeal.

Gucci will follow the plethora of other fashion houses such as Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren and Armani who have joined hands to endorse the idea of a Fur- Free future within fashion.