Animal fur as a fashion statement has been worn since ancient times, not only for style, nut for practicality and comfort during the colder seasons. From jackets to coats, hats, gloves, and stoles to animal skins used in bags and shoes, those who wear them are considered highly high fashion and exude wealth.
Faux over Real: Skins and Furs
There’s not a singly luxury fashion brand or overall fashion brand that don’t sell animal fur and skin garments and accessories. The styles are endless, including colours, textures and patterns. For instance, mink coats are considered the warmest, most expensive, and durable. Fox fur is perfect for freezing temperatures and available in gorgeous shades.
Fur items can last for decades and be passed onto further generations if they are kept well. They can be upcycled and recycled too. However, despite all its positive qualities, it is highly criticized for both productions and the people who wear them. There are a couple of reasons for this.
Biodiversity
The fur trade has had a massive impact on the population of animals, specifically those associated with the use of coats. It has been noted that there has been a drop in the population of Sea Minks, Seals, Otters, Jaguars, Lynx, Koalas and more.
Fur trapping grips are also set, which sometimes catch animals that aren’t targeted, causing depletion and endangering them too. Furthermore, animals are even raised to be killed for their skin. The whole process can be quite brutal.
Toxicity
Hazardous chemicals are used in fur tanning and other fur processes. Factories release animal waste and toxins like ammonia, formaldehyde and chromium into the environment, which cause high levels of pollution and even cause cancer.
Not only this but such harmful chemicals are even found in the finished product, such as leather jackets and fur coats, causing allergies.
For such reasons, many major fashion houses such as Gucci, Michael Kors, Versace, Ralph Lauren and more have switched to plant-based, vegan and synthetic furs and skins. Alternative materials generally used in producing such garments include pineapple leaves, cork, waxes, canvas and grape for leather; soy-based ‘vegetable cashmere’ and polyester fleece for wool, etc.
Real or Fake
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Real fur comes with its pros and cons, as does imitation or manufactured fur. It’s both. On the one hand, although harsh for wildlife and not exactly eco-friendly, authentic fur and skins can keep overpopulation under control and remain in mint condition for years if properly cared for.
Synthetic furs are not as sustainable as they claim to be, but they are cheaper for those manufacturing them.
So, it is about personal preference and the need to adhere to the social stigma surrounding the constant debate over faux vs real.
Read More: Sustainable Fashion: For Future of the Planet
