Animal House

(NEW YORK) Max Azria is the latest designer to end the sale of fur for his multitude of brands. The Humane Society today announced that BCBG Max Azria Group will adopt a fur-free philosophy starting with the Spring 2009 collection. The fashion conglomerate, which now joins the likes of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger in their fur-free endeavors, has pledged to cease the sale of fur by this fall by its portfolio of 15 brands, including BCBG Max Azria, Max Azria, and Hervé Léger by Max Azria. "BCBG Max Azria Group is demonstrating its leadership in the fashion industry with this compassionate move to protect furbearing animals," said Kristin Leppert, director of The HSUS fur-free campaign. "They are not only distinguishing themselves as an ethical company, but they are doing their part to encourage consumers to make ethical fashion choices." The group operates a retail and wholesale network that includes more than 13,500 points of sale throughout the world. More than 75 companies now support the causes championed by the HSUS. A full list is available at www.humanesociety.org/furfreeshopping.