By Daniela Frendo, Epicure & Culture ContributorĀ
Each year, one billion rabbits, 50 million minks and 4 million foxes are bred andĀ killed for their fur. Animals in fur factory farms often turn toĀ self-harm, cannibalism and other forms of stress-related behaviors as a result of small, crowded cages. To preserve the pelts, fur farmers use inhumaneĀ killing methods, including gassing and electrocution. Meanwhile, animals trappedĀ in the wild are subjected to dehydration, starvationĀ and a slow, agonizing death. All ofĀ this takes place in the name of fashion.
Numerous countries introduced fur bans in recent years, including the UK, the Netherlands and Austria. Ā Despite this, the fur industry still makes overĀ $40 billion in annual sales. In many parts of the world, fur remains a popular luxury textile and a symbol of social status. In fact,Ā 73% of designers who took part in fashion showsĀ in New York, London, Milan and Paris usedĀ fur in their collections for fall 2015.
But asĀ opposition to the fur industry becomes more widespread, an increasing number ofĀ fashionĀ designers and retailers are adopting fur-free policies and responding to growing demands for ethical fashion.
Here’sĀ why some of the most famousĀ luxury brands have gone fur-free, andĀ how this trend is shapingĀ the future of high-end fashion.
Finding Innovative Alternatives To Real Animal Fur
InĀ March, renowned luxury brandĀ Armani announced that it would beĀ abolishing the use of animal fur in its collections. In his statement, designer Giorgio Armani emphasized the fact thatĀ technological advancements offer viable alternatives to real fur. Ā For this reason, Ā killing animals for the sake of fashion isĀ unnecessary. Armani’sĀ decision was welcomed by animal welfareĀ groups worldwide, includingĀ Born Free USA, a member of The Fur Free Alliance, and the leadingĀ animal rights organization PETA, who have long campaigned against the ruthless fur trade. This putsĀ Armani on par with other fur-free luxury brands,Ā includingĀ Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren andĀ Tommy Hilfiger.
Last year, leading fashion designer and animal-rights activistĀ Stella McCartney introducedĀ her brand’s alternative to real animal fur. Labelled ‘Fur Free Fur’, the designer’sĀ long-haired coats, which launched at Paris Fashion Week, are entirely modacrylic; a type of synthetic fiber that closely resembles real fur inĀ appearance and texture.
A pioneer in ethical and sustainable fashion, McCartney has made it her goal to use eco-friendly and recyclable materials when possible, while ensuring that her products are 100% cruelty-free. In recent years, other high-end designers have followed in her wake. London-based designer Hannah Weiland has been usingĀ innovative and colorful faux fur to produceĀ quirky designs for her brand, Shrimps. Ā Weiland’s highly-acclaimed products are proof thatĀ faux fur is not inferior to the quality and luxury of real fur.
The Future Of Fur In Fashion
The quality of faux fur has improved dramatically over the last few years. Therefore, faux fur is no longer regarded as a cheap alternative to the real thing. Instead, wearing faux fur has become a fashion statement; as both buyers and designers are turning to synthetic fur to protest against animal cruelty. A 2011 poll byĀ the RSPCA revealed that 95% of British women would never wear items made from real fur. At the same time, animalĀ fur is losing its appeal among luxury buyers asĀ anti-fur activist groups continue to expose the horrors of the fur industry.Ā 86%Ā of fashion designers involved in theĀ London Fashion WeekĀ didn’t use fur in their autumn/winter collections.
In recent years,Ā stricterĀ regulations on the fur industry have come into force in the United States and inĀ Europe. Meanwhile, growingĀ public support and celebrity endorsements for fur-free products areĀ helping animal rights activists step up their campaigns against the fur industry, particularlyĀ in countries where restrictions on the trade are almost non-existent. The Free Fur Alliance has recently teamed up with ACTAsia, an organization that promotes sustainable environments andĀ animal welfare in Asian countries, to help raise awareness on theĀ millions of stray dogs and cats that areĀ slaughtered in China every year for the production of cheap fur.
China remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of fur. Quite often, fur from stray or stolen cats and dogsĀ is deliberately mislabeled as fur from other animals. thenĀ sold illegally to unsuspecting clientsĀ in Western countries.
NowĀ you want to see which of your favorite brands have pledged to go 100% fur-free. Here’s a full, updated list of certified,Ā fur-free retailers, designers and brands.
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