21 july 2016 – O bag, the famous Italian fashion handbag brand has, in agreement with the Fur Free Alliance, announced its commitment to completely abandon the use of animal fur in its products.
The O bag autumn collection will be showcasing a major new feature: instead of real fur, the interchangeable handles, straps, trims and inner bags of the O bag, the O basket and the O pocket, will be made of top quality eco-fur. Michele Zanella, director-general of Full Spot, explains:
“As of autumn-winter 2016/2017 the O bag collections will be entirely fur free. This is a huge step for our company and testifies as to our tangible commitment towards animal welfare. Our choice stems from a strong request on the part of some of our customers that, though they love our bags, weren’t comfortable with the use of certain materials. Our customers come first and that is why we always listen to what they have to say. It’s word-of-mouth that made the success of O bag, alongside a continuous dialogue with our customers and the collective sharing of personal experience.”
Through the Italian member organisation of the Fur Free Alliance LAV, O bag has signed the Fur Free Alliance protocol. O bag has thus pledged not to use any type of animal fur whatsoever in its future collections, including fur that comes from the food sector (such as rabbit fur for example).
Simone Pavesi, head of LAV’s Animal Free Fashion department, says:
“O bag is a symbol of Italian creativity and its designer products, from watches to bags to bracelets and glasses, and now shoes as well, all made from innovative materials, delight customers around the world. This decision has been long-awaited and reinforces the mission LAV has set for itself to promote ethical, responsible and sustainable fashion that doesn’t exploit animals”
With its decision O bag responds to its customers’ request: according to a recent report commissioned by LAV in 6 European countries (Italy, Germany, the UK and Poland) consumers that regularly buy animal friendly products account for at least 12% of fashion items consumers, a number that is highly like to increase.
To ensure its commitment to a fur-free policy, O bag has pledged to demand that its suppliers provide the adequate certifications ensuring the absence of animal-based materials. As it is not possible to withdraw items from its previous collections that contain real fur from the market, these items will still be sold until they run out.