The fashion industry is facing a new frontier in the fur wars, as protesters have targeted the homes of Marc Jacobs employees in an effort to push the designer to officially renounce the use of fur in his collections.
The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT) has been leading the protests against Marc Jacobs since June 2023, with the organization selecting targets and disseminating information to anti-fur activists on the ground. The protests escalated in February, with demonstrators gathering outside the homes of Marc Jacobs employees in cities like New York City, Las Vegas, and Austin.
Despite accusations of “bullying” from Mr. Jacobs, the designer has stated that his brand does not work in, use, or sell fur, and emphasized that he has not used fur in any of his collections since 2018. The protests have led to six arrests in the last week, including incidents of harassment and property damage.
The anti-fur movement has been largely successful in pressuring fashion houses to stop using fur, with many brands adopting fake fur as a fabric and eschewing luxury staples like mink and sable. Glossy magazines and department stores have also stopped featuring and selling real fur.
As the fur-free cause turns its attention to leather and exotic skins, protesters are now targeting brands like Max Mara. CAFT plans to continue their efforts to pressure fashion brands to abandon the use of fur and other animal skins.
The protests have not only affected Marc Jacobs employees but also their neighbors, with reports of fake blood splattered on buildings and chalk etched on sidewalks. The escalating tactics of anti-fur groups like CAFT represent a new challenge for the fashion industry as it grapples with ethical and sustainable practices.
