UK based Respect for Animals and Belgian animal rights organisation GAIA reveal: Luxury giant LVMH finances the fur lobby
Confidential internal documents prove: LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy...) supports the fur industry with hundreds of thousands of euros.
Bruxelles, March 4, 2025 – UK based Respect for Animals and Belgian GAIA (Global Action in the Interest of Animals) revealed today internal documents showing that luxury giant LVMH financed the fur industry to the tune of €300,000 in 2024. This money was directed to the International Fur Federation (IFF), the international fur lobby, an organization working to protect a declining industry. Every year, 7 million animals are still slaughtered in Europe under horrific conditions for their fur.
Documents prove LVMH's support for the fur lobby
The documents uncovered by Respect for Animals and GAIA show that LVMH not only sells fur through its brands like Louis Vuitton but also financially supports the International Fur Federation (IFF). In 2024, they allocated €300,000 for this purpose. The IFF, established in 1949, defends the interests of the fur industry.
While the IFF claims to keep its members informed about scientific and political developments related to animal welfare, the documents discovered by Respect for Animals and GAIA reveal other activities: lobbying strategies to prevent the collapse of the fur sector, including communication campaigns to conceal the cruelty of fur under an ecological image and influencing political decision-makers America, Asia and in Europe against a potential ban on the farming of fur-bearing animals for fur production (already banned in 15 EU member states, including Belgium). The IFF is aware that the use and sale of fur is under pressure and is seeking ways to relocate production. China is considered too risky due to its negative image, and North America is ruled out for financial reasons. The International Fur Fédération is considering Ukraine as a possible alternative after the WAR to establish new fur farms.
The lobby does not only target production locations but also focuses on young fashion designers, attempting to influence them with programs promoting the use of fur and trying to revive it under the guise of “sustainability.”
LVMH: the illusion of ethics
In 2021, LVMH still defended the use of fur. Press agency AFP was told that the group “would allow the use of fur by its brands to offer its customers who wish to wear fur products that are made in the most ethical and responsible way.”
Ann De Greef, CEO of GAIA, responds: “While LVMH talks about ethics, it is actively financing the cruel exploitation of fur animals. Consumers need to know that when they purchase products from Dior, Givenchy, Kenzo, or Louis Vuitton, they are indirectly supporting animal cruelty. We call on the public to boycott all LVMH brands as long as they continue to cooperate in the abuse and slaughter of animals.”
Belgian consumers reject fur
According to a poll conducted by DEDICATED in January 2025 on behalf of GAIA, nearly 3 in 5 Belgians find it unacceptable that brands still use animal fur. Moreover, 76% have a negative view of brands that continue to use animal fur.
While many fashion houses such as Max Mara, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Hugo Boss, and Armani have abandoned the use of animal fur, LVMH persists and even goes so far as to finance its development.
GAIA calls on LVMH to immediately end fur use
GAIA urges LVMH to immediately cease the use and financing of the fur lobby and calls on the public to act by challenging the group via the website www.stoplvmh.be. In February, GAIA revealed undercover footage filmed by the organization at fur farms in Poland and Romania. These images exposed the inhumane and cruel conditions in which animals are kept and killed. With these new documents, Respect for Animals and GAIA prove that LVMH is not limited to selling fur but is actively contributing to the survival of a cruel and outdated industry, which is financially supported by the group of luxury brands.
Discover the new GAIA campaign website - www.stoplvmh.be
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Items below:
- Bunny footage
- Detailed data on the decline of the industry - Source: Fur Free Alliance / GAIA
