Vogue’s New Editor Has Ties to Animal Liberation—Is Compassion High Fashion?

Following the announcement of Chloe Malle as Vogue’s new editor—and after Malle was quoted as saying, “There has to be a noticeable shift that makes this mine”—PETA’s new President, Tracy Reiman, sent a letter to Malle today urging her to make her mark by showcasing only chic, cruelty-free fashion and leaving animals’ skins and furs out of America’s fashion bible.

“This is, of course, your moment to lead, and we have high hopes that means you are going to do wonderful things to influence and encourage the next generation of kind consumers by no longer featuring fur (of course!), and by showcasing fabulous, animal-friendly, cruelty-free materials that inflict no pain or death.” –PETA President Tracy Reiman in a letter to Chloe Malle

Vogue’s New Editor, Chloe Malle, Has Family Ties to PETA

Chloe Malle has a penchant for animal liberation built into her DNA. Malle’s mother, actor Candice Bergen, is a forty-year-long PETA supporter and proud animal advocate. Bergen even narrated a video for PETA called “Changing Minds, Changing Times,” to celebrate PETA’s first 10 years—and now PETA trusts that the apple has not “fallen far from the kindness tree.”

Malle has the chance to enhance her mother’s call to action for animals. With so many fabulous, creative materials made from everything from apple to cactus to flowers, it’s easier than ever to wear animal-free fashion. And, as PETA notes in its letter, today’s consumers—including most Gen Zers and Millennials—view the brands they buy as a reflection of their values, and they don’t want their clothing to be associated with animal abuse.  

The animal skin industry kills more than a billion sensitive cows, sheep, and other animals each year. Every animal is someone, from cows who nurture their babies to sheep who form lifelong friendships with their fellow flock members. Animals’ skin, feathers, and fur belong to them—not in clothing or fashion magazines.

Compassion Is in Fashion: Vogue Must Promote Animal-Free Style

PETA, whose supporters famously occupied Anna Wintour’s office at Vogue to protest its fur promotions, has a long history of urging the magazine and Wintour, its now former editor-in-chief, to enter the 21st century by embracing animal-free materials. While British Vogue kicked fur to the curb years ago, as did most companies and designers, Vogue still occasionally showcases animal skin and fur in its pages. Under Malle’s leadership, PETA hopes that Vogue will usher in a new era of vegan style.

“We hope that under your kind eye, Vogue will show that style and ethics are a good pair! We offer you our support and best wishes.” –PETA President Tracy Reiman