Elle has become the first major fashion publisher to pledge an end to the promotion of animal fur in its editorial and advertising content.

A senior executive said it was in support of animal welfare, and a reflection of changing tastes.

The magazine's 45 global editions have signed a charter written with animal rights group Humane Society and industry reform group Creatives4Change.

Thirteen editions have already implemented the charter.

A further 20 will join them at the start of 2022, and the remainder in 2023.

Animal fur industry advocates have argued that using synthetic fur is counter-intuitive, because it is made with plastics that harm the environment.

Fake fur coats are often created from polyester, which takes hundreds of years to biodegrade.

"Fur appears to be outdated and not fashionable anymore, and especially for the Gen Z, who is the golden target of fashion and luxury industry," said Valeria Bessolo LLopiz, Elle's international director, speaking at a conference in Oxfordshire.

"Gen Z wants fashion to be responsible, ethical and innovative, and that's what's happening," she added.