Starting in 2026, the event will be completely fur-free, ending the use of real animal fur on its runways.
This decision came after ongoing pressure from animal rights groups, including CAFT USA, Chainsaw Boston, and Boston Animal Advocates. They reached out to the organizers, urging them to take a stand against cruelty.
In response, Jay Calderin, the founder of Boston Fashion Week, confirmed that designers who use real fur will no longer be allowed to participate.
For years, fur has been a dark side of the fashion world. Behind every fur coat or trim are animals who live and die in cages. They’re electrocuted, gassed, or even skinned while still alive. All for clothing that no one truly needs.
Boston’s new policy sends a strong message: compassion belongs on the runway. Fashion doesn’t have to harm anyone to look beautiful.
This change also shows how fast the industry is evolving. Many major fashion houses — including Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and Versace — have already gone fur-free. Entire fashion weeks in London, Melbourne, Oslo, and Helsinki have made the same promise. Now Boston joins that growing list.
Animal advocates say this shift isn’t just about kindness. It’s also about sustainability. Real fur production has a massive environmental cost. Research shows that mink fur has a carbon footprint 31 times that of cotton, making it one of the least eco-friendly materials in fashion.
By removing fur, Boston Fashion Week is helping lead a cultural shift. One that values creativity without cruelty.
This decision is more than a trend. It’s proof that public pressure works. When people speak up for animals, big institutions listen. And little by little, the fashion world changes for good.