Anna Wintour throws weight behind Dorchester boycott

US vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her publisher Conde Nast have thrown their weight

behind the Dorchester boycott, which is already being supported by the likes of Kering’s François-Henri Pinault, Yves Saint Laurent, Brian Atwood and Peter Som.

Wintour’s backing of the boycott, following the decision of the hotels' owner, the Sultan of Brunei, to introduce Sharia law in Brunei, has come at a critical time as editors and retailers are planning their schedules for the London, Milan and Paris showcases for menswear and Haute Couture.

In particular, Le Meurice in Paris has been a preferred choice by several top editors, however, Wintour told the New York Times: “While I am sensitive to the potential impact that this issue may have on the wonderful staff at Le Meurice, I cannot in all good conscience stay there, nor can Vogue’s editors.”

The group, which operates 10 hotels around the world, has reported a drop in bookings as well as a significant drop in revenue since the fashion industry started boycotting the chain.

Christopher Cowdray, the chief executive of the Dorchester Collection, has tried to deflect the boycott by stating the damage it could have. “The economic impact of this not only affects our loyal team members but extends to the local community, our valued partners and suppliers,” he commented in a recent statement.