Following Gucci’s announcement that it’s to go fur-free, it’s time for a little clarity. What, for example, will happen to the label’s best-selling fur-lined Princetown mules? Will they become an endangered species as of spring 2018 when the new policy comes into effect?
No. No need to panic buy. Your mules are safe. When they first came out in fall 2015, they were made using kangaroo fur; however, since the start of the year, it has been replaced with lamb fur.
This is the crucial difference because the official definition of animal fur, in accordance with the guidelines of the Fur Free Alliance (which Gucci has joined) is as follows: “Any animal skin, or part thereof, with hair or fur fibers attached thereto, either in its raw or processed state or the pelt of any animal killed for the animal’s fur.”
Lamb, goat and alpaca can all still be used in conformity with these existing guidelines. Mink, fox, rabbit, karakul lamb and raccoon dog cannot. Although it is not specifically listed, kangaroo apparently falls into the latter category.
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Additionally, although kangaroo fur versions were sold direct by Gucci, retailers such as Net-a-Porter never stocked them, favoring the alternative shearling version instead.
The Yoox Net-a-Porter Group adopted its own fur free policy in June 2017. It is also a member of the International Fur Free Retailer Program.
“We can confirm that Net-a-Porter does not and has never stocked Gucci’s kangaroo fur-lined Princetown loafers; we have only ever stocked the shearling-lined loafers,” said a spokesperson for the group.
The moral of the tale? Always check the label.
