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
