(08/08/2005) International Fur Trade Federation Expands Global Ad Campaign

Two special sections to run in 21 national editions of Vogue and ELLE

The International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) today introduced its global advertising campaign for Autumn/Winter 2005-2006, unveiling a pair of unique advertorials targeted at 25 million fashion-conscious consumers in 20 countries around the world.

Reflecting fur's continued sales growth - and its unprecedented dominance in trend-setting fashion - IFTF's new campaigns are its most ambitious to date, with two different special sections appearing in September editions of both Vogue and ELLE. The promotions provide a striking and complementary dual vision of fur fashion for the coming season.

The Vogue advertorial, directed by Vogue Italia editor, Franca Sozzani, and photographed in Paris by Michel Comte, focuses on the luxe sophistication of fur. Entitled 'Furs & Chic', the six-page colour section depicts fur in romantic and highly evocative environments, and features creations by nine of the world's most-acclaimed designers: Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, John Galliano for Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Lanvin and Ralph Lauren.

By contrast, the ELLE promotion captures the youthful energy and cross-generational appeal of fur today. Conceptualized and photographed by ELLE USA publication director Gilles Bensimon, the four-page 'Fur Sure' advertorial shows fur as casual, but highly individual street fashion. Shot in New York, the promotion features attention-grabbing styles by Christian Lacroix, Missoni and Versace, as well as a white mink cape and hat from the new Sweetface collection by Jennifer Lopez.

Commenting on the new campaign, IFTF Chairman Andreas Lenhart said, "We were excited by the opportunity to work with both Vogue and ELLE on this year's effort, and are thrilled by the way each publication has interpreted fur for their readers around the world. By broadening our campaign, IFTF has been able to reflect the full scope of fur's appeal and its central role in fashion today."

The 2005-2006 campaign is the fourth consecutive annual global promotion by IFTF, during a period of remarkable growth in the international fur market. In 2004, worldwide sales of fur reached US$11.7 billion, marking a US$400 million increase over the previous year - and the six consecutive year of growth.

Images from the 'Furs & Chic' advertorial are posted at www.iftf.com/iftf_vogue_2005.php

A behind-the-scenes video of the IFTF shoot will appear on a number of ELLE websites from August to December, including ELLE.com, ELLE.fr, ELLE.cn and ELLE.hk.

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Supplementary note to editors:

Listed below are the scheduled on-sale dates for the September editions of Vogue and ELLE featuring the IFTF advertorial sections.

Vogue - 'Furs & Chic' supplement: 

· Vogue UK           08 August
· Vogue Greece      10 August
· Vogue Spain       19 August
· Vogue Korea       20 August
· Vogue US           23 August
· Vogue Germany   24 August
· Vogue Russia      26 August
· Vogue Japan       28 August
· Vogue Italy         05 September

ELLE - 'Fur Sure' supplement:

· ELLE US                  09 August
· ELLE Poland             10 August
· ELLE Sweden            11 August
· ELLE Czech Republic  19 August
· ELLE Croatia             20 August
· ELLE Ukraine            22 August
· ELLE Norway            23 August
· ELLE China              25 August
· ELLE Hungary           25 August
· ELLE Belgium           26 August
· ELLE Hong Kong       26 August
· ELLE France             05 September

Established in 1949, the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) is an independent international federation of 36 national fur trade associations and organisations in 30 countries around the world. Through its work and the activities of its members, IFTF seeks to protect fur trade interests and to promote innovation, high standards and a positive factual image of fur and the fur industry worldwide.

IFTF is fully committed to maintaining high standards of care. The fur trade is well regulated under international, national or regional laws and guidelines. The international fur trade does not use endangered animals for any purpose.

Further information about IFTF can be found on-line at www.iftf.com.  Additional fur fashion images and information on fur trends can be accessed at www.iftf-fashionmediacenter.com.

The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) is a member of the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF).

Press contact:

Andrea Martin
British Fur Trade Association
Tel: 020 7281 9299
e-mail press@britishfur.co.uk