Prada has joined a growing group of luxury designers in announcing it will no longer use animal fur.

The fashion house said its designs and products will not include fur starting from its spring/summer 2020 women’s collection, adding that it will phase out existing fur products.

Prada co-chief executive and head designer Miuccia Prada said: “The Prada Group is committed to innovation and social responsibility, and our fur-free policy – reached following a positive dialogue with the Fur Free Alliance, in particular with (Italian animal rights organisation) LAV and the Humane Society of the United States – is an extension of that engagement.

“Focusing on innovative materials will allow the company to explore new boundaries of creative design while meeting the demand for ethical products.”

British brand Burberry announced it would no longer use fur in September, while other designers to halt its use include Gucci, Versace and Chanel.

In September, London Fashion Week announced that no fur would be featured in any collection.

Fur Free Alliance chairman Joh Vinding said: “The Prada Group with its brands now joins a growing list of fur-free brands that are responding to consumers’ changing attitudes towards animals.”

Mark Oaten, chief executive of the International Fur Federation trade body, said: “I am surprised that a brand who care about sustainability are banning a natural product like fur.

“Now Prada customers will only have plastic fur as an option, which is bad for the planet. I urge Prada to think again and trust its own consumers to decide if they want to buy real or fake fur.”