Photo: armani on Instagram

While fur is often spotted on the global runways, a number of labels are gradually embracing a fur-free stance. In breaking news, Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani has officially announced that it will cease to use fur in its creations.

According to Fashionista.com, the announcement was revealed to the public today by Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.

In a statement from a blog post by Pacelle, designer Giorgio Armani is quoted as saying “Technological progress made over the years allows us to have valid alternatives….that render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals.”

As for this new decision, Vogue UK reports that Armani’s fur-free position is said to affect the brand’s Giorgio Armani, Armani Privé, and Emporio Armani lines. The Milan-based fashion house’s newly announced statement follows a similar decision by Hugo Boss, which also officially denounced fur in July.

Although it’s too early to predict if other international fashion houses will also start prohibiting the usage of fur in their creations, it certainly seems to be a trend.

For fashionistas who are anti-fur, there are definitely a number of faux fur alternatives on the market. As brands like Armani and Boss say no to fur, we can probably expect to see a rise in faux pieces, both on the runways and on the sidewalks.