PARIS (Reuters) - Gucci will halt the use of fur from next year, joining a growing number of fashion labels looking at alternatives amid pressure from animal rights activists and changing consumer tastes.

Mr Marco Bizzarri, Gucci's chief executive, said the brand would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection.

Gucci, which has produced fur-lined loafers and luxurious mink fur coats in the past, is the latest brand or retailer to stop using fur.

In June, Yoox Net-A-Porter, a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the website.

Many top-end labels are tightening their policies on sourcing of leather from tanneries after a series of scandals over the abuse of animals in breeding farms.

Animal-rights campaigners welcomed the move from Gucci, saying that it could have a major knock-on effect.

Ms Simone Pavesi, manager of animal-free fashion at Italian campaign group LAV, said: "As fashion becomes more and more ethical, supply chains that revolve around animals will be a thing of the past."