The Fur Debate - Faux vs Real

Whilst I understand using real fur in fashion is often ethically and morally wrong, I do also wonder what effects faux fur is having on our planet. 

We are constantly trying to stop harming our planet. We have implemented numerous new and modern initiatives including recycling plastic, glass and paper, charging for plastic carrier bags in supermarkets and banning plastic straws in bars and restaurants all to try and reduce or slow down our environmental impacts. However, man made fibres in the form of faux fur are everywhere - faux fur coats, faux fur trims, faux fur accessories. 

In fashion and styling terms faux fur looks and sometimes feels great and as the above images show this material can be manipulated, sewn and shaped in diverse, innovative ways but what affect are these man-made fibres having on our planet?

It takes over 100,000 years for faux fur to biodegrade. Yes, long after we’ve vacated the planet that beloved faux fur coat or key ring will still be polluting and damaging the environment. 

Faux fur is great for getting the real fur look without any animal having to be mistreated but is this the best option? Is there a way real fur could be produced ethically?

Or is it best to refuse to buy either?  Ethically and morally which type of fur is best to buy? 
 

It’s a tough decision, many fashion designers have started to shun real fur in favour of faux fur but this is not always noted by anti fur protesters. At Mary Katrantzou’s AW18 show (above right) a protester stormed the runway to protest about real fur used in her collection when in actual fact all the fur used was faux. In recent news Italian fashion house Gucci have declared there collections will go fur free, stating it as 'no longer modern'. Designers and luxury brands are being forced to move with the times and are now starting to understand the thoughts and opinions of their customer.

Over the last two decades we have become more educated about what environmental impact our habits are having on the environment and we’ve become more interested in what we can do to help. 

Along with other industries the fashion industry has recently started to realise things need to change and sustainable fashion is starting to make waves. Everlane, Reformation, People Tree, Eileen Fisher and Zady have brilliant, stylish and ethical collections. These type of designers and brands are slowly gathering a growing number of followers within the fashion industry and have been discussed in editorial pieces in The Sunday Times Style and at The Copenhagen Fashion Summit which took place last month.
Its brilliant that this positive and modern initiative is making an impact, but I do believe ethical and slow fashion (the opposite to fast fashion) needs to be more accessible. It’s often expensive, therefore pricing your young fashion conscious customer out of the market.
Another obvious alternative to fast and ethical fashion which has less impact on the environment is purchasing second hand clothing. From the likes of eBay and Depop to vintage shops, these all give fashion garments another life and give our planet chance to recuperate. 
That said, as modern humans we love to shop, for either morale, style or social reasons and the majority still place old items in the bin which eventually end up in landfill. 

My rule is to buy less but of better quality and get creative, this includes faux fur too. Ensure that fur faux coat or accessory you buy is a forever piece, that can be worn every winter. This could be the most efficient, ethical and moral way to buy fur right now.

Ph Credit - Vogue