BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Praised by The Humane Society of the United States for Going Fur-Free

February 28, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States commends international fashion house BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP for pledging to end the sale of fur by Fall 2008. The decision comes following a meeting between representatives of The HSUS and the influential fashion group.

The new policy will be adopted by BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, which encompasses a portfolio of fifteen brands including BCBGMAXAZRIA, MAX AZRIA and Hervé Léger by Max Azria. The Group operates a retail and wholesale network that includes more than 13,500 points of sale throughout the world.

"BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP 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. We are proud to add BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP to our ever growing list of fur-free companies."

BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP joins fashion giants Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger who both pledged to go fur-free in the last year. The HSUS maintains a list of fur-free designers and retailers that currently has more than 75 additional companies. The list is online at humanesociety.org/furfreeshopping.

The Humane Society of the United States urges all designers and retailers to adopt fur-free policies to protect the more than 75 million animals who suffer and die annually for their pelts. Only by not selling any real fur can companies be assured they are not complicit in animal suffering, and that their consumers are protected from the rampant false advertising and labeling of real fur, which currently plagues the industry.

Timeline:

• Feb. 2008 – BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP pledges to go fur-free after discussion with The HSUS.
• May 2007 – Foot Locker pledges to go fur-free after discussions with The HSUS.
• March 2007 – Tommy Hilfiger pledges to go fur-free because of The HSUS's investigation.
• Feb. 2007 – Calvin Klein pledges to go fur-free because of The HSUS's investigation.
• Dec. 2006 – Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find raccoon dog fur on jackets advertised as "faux" and/or labeled as other species, such as raccoon or coyote.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.