Washington, D.C. — Fashion brand Jill Milan (www.jillmilan.com), dedicated to luxury handbags and unique accessories, became a member of the International Fur Free Retailer Program, (www.furfreeretailer.com). The announcement was made by Born Free USA and Jill Milan founder and CEO, Jill Fraser.[teaserbreak]
According to Fraser, “I am a longtime vegan and for years have not worn any clothing made from materials such as fur, leather, wool, and silk, so when I could not find high-quality handbags that were not made of such materials, I was inspired to found Jill Milan. In the time since we started Jill Milan, I have spoken with many people with similar desire for high-quality, stylish fashion that is free of animal-based materials. We deeply respect what the Fur Free Retailer Program is accomplishing to spread this message, and I look forward to a day when animals are no longer worn.”
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation, “Retailers continue to step up worldwide to take a stand against the use of fur in fashion, thanks to companies like Jill Milan. We are proud that the program is attracting companies like this and hope this wave continues.”
Founded by Born Free USA in 2006, The Fur Free Retailer Program is an international effort to give consumers accurate information about a retailer’s fur policy, allowing consumers to make an informed choice when shopping. The program aims to further the spirit of ethical consumerism and provide shoppers with information about the most compassionate retailers in the world. The program recognizes and supports retailers who have committed, in writing, to a no-fur policy.
In 2012, a record 50 retailers signed on from more than 20 countries. Since then, the program has continued to expand and now also features a wide variety of retailers worldwide, including maternity wear, sportswear, eco-friendly, faux fur focused, ballroom, consignment, and more. For a list of retailers in the program, visit http://www.furfreeretailer.com/shop.php.
Roberts adds, “Another year cannot go by when animals are brutally killed for their fur. We need consumers to get involved and show their respect for wildlife, and encourage and support those retailers willing to go fur-free. Taking an ethical and public stand against fur fashion offers a company a chance to promote a public policy against violence and cruelty, and to lend its support to the international efforts to end this unnecessary and cruel fashion choice.”
The program is also supported by the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), an international coalition of leading animal and environmental protection organizations worldwide. These organizations facilitate the Fur Free Retailer Program in their countries. See the full list at www.furfreeretailer.com.
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic “pets,” trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of “compassionate conservation”—the vision of the U.K.-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203/270-8929, therodicompany@gmail.com