It’s time we talk about Condé Nast — and why this campaign could be one of the most important moments in the fight to finally end the fur industry.

I’m Suzie, Executive Director of Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, also known as CAFT. Our mission is simple: to put an end to the fur industry once and for all. And this year, we’ve launched one of our most ambitious campaigns yet: asking Condé Nast, the global media company behind Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and more, to go fur free.

WHY CONDÉ NAST:

Now, you might be wondering — why focus on a company that doesn’t even sell fur? Because Condé Nast doesn’t just cover fashion — they influence it. They set the trends. Vogue has been called the “fashion bible.” And historically, when Vogue has promoted fur, it has given the fur industry a powerful cultural comeback. If we want fur gone for good, we need to make sure those pages stay fur-free.

STATE OF THE FUR INDUSTRY:

Here’s the good news: the fur industry is weaker than ever. Global production has dropped from 140 million animals killed every year to 20 million, based on data from Humane World for Animals. Pelt prices have crashed, many fur farms have shut down, and consumers are turning away from fur because of its cruelty. COVID-19 delivered another massive blow to mink farms, w/ farmers killing millions of innocent animals due to disease outbreaks. They should never have been caged on those farms to begin with. 

WHY THIS CAMPAIGN MATTERS:

Our mission at CAFT is to end the fur industry — and that means dismantling every pillar that keeps it standing. If major publications like Vogue & GQ stop featuring fur or talking about it, it becomes much harder for fur to remain culturally relevant.

But — and this is critical — the industry is trying to fight back. They’re rebranding fur as “sustainable” and “eco-friendly,” hoping to win back younger consumers. And promoting “upcycled” and “vintage” pieces to make fur fashionable again. 

The truth is, fur farming is one of the most polluting, wasteful sectors in fashion — from the environmental impact of raising millions of animals in captivity to the toxic chemicals used to preserve their pelts.

We cannot let that narrative take hold. And we can’t ignore the risk of a comeback. That’s why our Condé Nast campaign is so important. 

CALL TO ACTION:

For almost a year, we’ve been emailing Condé Nast, protesting their events and affiliations, and organizing actions to demand a fur-free policy. And recently, they’ve started to notice — especially after activists started protesting outside the homes of their executives and editors. 

But we need everyone to join. This is the biggest fight we’ve ever been in. Right now, there are millions of baby animals stuck in cages waiting to be killed during pelting season, which is coming up. We owe it to the animals to win. You can join us at protests, take part in online actions, share this campaign, and help fund the work that keeps the pressure on. Every action counts.

Let’s make history — and end this industry for good.