The autumn weather has arrived, but The Daily Shift’s Orlaith Farrell a few tips for keeping warm…
Victoria Beckham with Fendi faux fur
Fur always remains a controversial topic in the fashion world. Dating back centuries, it has always been regarded a luxury item; sign of wealth; a token of the elite. However, with giant organisations such as People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), fighting to stop the use of fur in the fashion industry, we have to ask the question, why does this trend still remain at the centre point every year?
In the media, we see the likes of celebrities, socialites, popstars and whatnot, swinging very different ways when it comes to the issue. On the one hand, we have the Olsen twins, who built an entire fashion empire on the back of their stardom. They have no problem using fur in their new lines. Often, we see the childhood starlets, on the red carpet, draped in the finest furs of Hollywood. Sure, some people may turn green at the mere thought of it, but has it impacted their careers? Has it impacted their fashion lines? No. It raises the question of where people’s real morals lie.
While on the flip-side, we see stars, like Khloe Kardashian (well, if you want to call her a star, that’s your own opinion), baring all for “I’d rather go naked, than wear fur” campaign. Backed by PETA, the campaign got A-listers to strip off, in the hope of finally putting an end to fur on the catwalk. While it did achieve great support, can we really abolish fur once and for all?
Taking a little stroll down O’Connell street yesterday, I popped into a few of my favourite high street stores. Taking notes and commenting on new Autumn/Winter trends, it was hard to see past the faux-fur sprawled throughout the stores. It made me think, why can’t faux be embraced like the real deal? Fur is a great material (provided it’s fake), be it a fab winter jacket, or a cute little gilet, sported over a denim shirt. I think it’s time to put an end to the real thing and begin to embrace the cheap, knock-off version. Sure, you may not be as cosy, but think of the poor, little fox without a skin this winter (that’s right, I played the cute animal card to tug on your heartstrings).
The fashion industry may be seen as some elite organisation, filled with glamour and glitz. But sometimes, a little bit of that luxury has to be downgraded, for the sake and well-being of everything else. Don’t support the fur this winter, and if you do, go fake. We may not be able to get rid of fur altogether, but we sure as hell can embrace the faux.
