PETA scored another victory in its campaign to ban angora wool in the fashion industry, revealing that Nasty Gal is dropping items made with the rabbit fur.
The animal rights organization said Los Angeles-based Nasty Gal has joined more than 120 brands — including H&M, Topshop, Asos, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 — in banning angora wool. PETA, which is based in Norfolk, Va., recently conducted an investigation of the angora wool industry, leading to allegations of harsh and inhumane conditions in which the rabbits used for angora are treated.
“The future of fashion is kind, not cruel, which is exactly why retailers like Nasty Gal are lining up to join PETA’s list of angora-free brands,” said Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of the nonprofit organization formally known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Some of the angora products Nasty Gal has sold in the past include $28 berets and $88 mock-neck sweaters from its private-label line as well as $231 cropped sweaters by Three Floor.
In addition to PETA, other animal activists have been trying to convince the company to cease selling angora. One online petition from SumOfUs pointedly told the company: “Torturing bunnies for fashion is out.”
Nasty Gal, which operates two stores in Southern California along with its original Web site, didn’t respond to a request for comment.