Hearst Magazines commits to prohibiting promotion of animal fur

Media publication group Hearst Magazines has outlined a commitment to not promote fur across any of its platforms. The move was confirmed in an email sent to the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT)_ and was then detailed in the sustainability section of the company_s website.

In the email_ addressed to Allison Keane_ CAFT_s VP of communications_ and shared with FashionUnited_ Hearst said: “Across our portfolio of wholly owned global brands_ Hearst Magazines prohibits the promotion of animal fur in editorial content and advertising. (Our guidelines recognise defined exceptions and apply to all new business and future content).”

The ban followed a five-day protest campaign held by CAFT_ with associated activists applying pressure on Hearst by occupying the lobby of the company_s New York City headquarters. The organisation said that Hearst_ the parent of publications like Harper_s Bazaar_ Esquire_ and Town & Country_ was now aligned with that of Elle_ which banned the use of fur in 2021.

It also follows the news of both Condé Nast and New York Fashion Week banning the use of fur across their platforms_ reflecting a wider movement towards more animal-friendly approaches to fashion.

In a statement to FashionUnited_ CAFT executive director Suzie Stork hailed Hearst_s decision a victory_ yet emphasised that the organisation would continue to mount pressure on others in the industry that had not yet made similar commitments. “Our next campaign is targeting Rick Owens_ and we will bring the same relentless pressure that has pushed so many fashion houses to drop fur for good_” Stork said.