what’s your take on real vs. faux?

on
Oct 15, ‵08
in trends
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Why do so many women go ga-ga for fur? It’s clearly a status symbol that exudes glamour, luxury, wealth, a passion for fashion and the finer things in life. This became clear to me during a Rachel Zoe repeat last night as I was given a tour through Gilles Mendel’s breathtaking collections, which included some magnificent fur pieces. I was drooling over his striking boleros and ear muffs as I began to realize the actual tragedy of this fluffy fur. I thought about how stunning fur looks, how beautifully it drapes, how sensual and soft it is, but I also began to think that we should really back off and leave the animals alone. For the cavemen and women it was o.k., but now I think it’s just selfish.

… I feel torn about it because on one hand I can appreciate the artistry of Mendel’s creations… but, let’s look at the big picture – we have enough to work with – so much that we should really leave the animals their own skin. And at the end of the day, what is more important? To me, it’s the well-being of our furry little friends.

What’s your take on this furry frenzy?
Are you a Samantha Jones, who refuses to get rid of her huge white fur, even though it’s taboo?

Are you a Natalie Portman who has gone so far as to design a vegan shoe line, using no animal products whatsoever?

Or are you on the fence?

Share your thoughts about wearing real fur vs. faux fur – we want to hear it from you!

faux fur items in observation 1:

  • Juicy Couture ‘vintage royal’ plaid belted coat with faux fur collar @ Nordstrom
  • Marvin richards faux fur jacket @ Nordstrom
  • hollywood jacket @ Forever 21
  • Juicy Couture belted faux fur coat with brooch @ Nordstrom
  • Jones New York hooded faux fur coat @ Nordstrom
  • Kenneth Cole new york fur frenzy @ Kenneth Cole
  • Via Spiga faux leopard fur coat @ Nordstrom
  • Juicy Couture faux fur bomber jacket @ Nordstrom
  • feather headband @ Forever 21


    • furry items in observation 2, if you must:

  • Autunno embellished shearling coat @ Nordstrom
  • Juicy Couture ‘luxe’ rabbit fur ear muffs @ Nordstrom
  • Elie Tahari ‘gia’ belted trench with genuine fox fur collar @ Nordstrom
  • Robert Rodriguez crop fox fur jacket @ Nordstrom
  • Autunno shearling wrap jacket with fox trim @ Nordstrom


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    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      I must say, there is something so luxurious about a sable coat. BUT then I look at my three dogs & the rest is history! Great post Maddie

    • http://jointhegossip.blogspot.com Leeann

      I posted this comment on MyItThings: Great post, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts. I'm completely with you; I say o t fur. I just think it's unnecessary. We don't need fur anymore, we have many other options for staying warm during the cool months.

      =)

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      I know! It's gorgeous but I can't justify it!

    • http://www.styleobserver.com Madeline Rhodes

      Thanks, Jean! And yes, I did the same thing- I took one look at my cute little dog and felt traumatized (to say the least) at the thought of her being someone's winter accessory.
      Leeann, thanks for your comment! We do have such vast resources that it seems .. well, just wrong to use fur.
      So, it looks like the three of us will be keeping warm in faux fur this winter :)

    • barchbo

      I say why use real when faux is available. That said…I am not opposed to vintage fur. I wouldn't buy new, but I would buy vintage.

      Great post! Very provocative!

    • http://spaaroundtheworld.wordpress.com Candace Silvasy

      I admit I have both real and faux furs. the real ones came from a time when I was a different person and now when I put them on I feel they are too gaudy to wear. Save for my grandmother's shearling jacket – which I wear, but try not to let my cat see it – makes me feel so guilty. I don't know what to do with the real furs I don't wear though. Any suggestions?

    • http://www.styleobserver.com Madeline Rhodes

      Interestingly, there is a place for your gaudy furs. I just did some research on the PETA website and get this: there is a charity called Let's Help Africa in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where furs are donated to people of Lesotho. Just picture a Lesotho native roughing the cold in an old-school shearling. brilliant. PETA feels that even though these furs are awful and cruel, they should go to people who need them, as apposed to people like us.
      check it out.. at the bottom of the article are links that will guide you through the donation process. let us know how it goes!
      http://blog.peta.org/archives/2008/09/peta_dona…

      As far as hiding grandmas shearling from the cat, I can understand, although something tells me my dog would love to snuggle up with a shearling which just makes me feel weird.

    • Kym

      I was just thinking about this last night at a gala where they were auctioning off two beautiful fur coats. While I own a vest that has a real fur rim around the hood, and I will eventually have a few fur coats passed down to me, I would never buy a new fur coat. Great post Madds.

    • http://www.styleobserver.com Madeline Rhodes

      Thanks! I can see where you're coming from, although the thought of fur, let alone someone's old, passed down fur creeps me out a bit. I have to admit they can be beautiful, though! Especially classic, vintage furs.

    • http://www.styleobserver.com Madeline Rhodes

      Thanks, Kym!
      You seem to share a similar view with many of people I've discussed the fur issue with. When you do eventually inherit the furs make sure to watch out for those PETA peeps! They might do to you what they did to Samantha!

    • AnimalsMustLive

      No way! it is unexceptional to wear a real fur coat. think of the poor animals who have to die for your stupid plesure!!!!!! ANIMALS ARE FOR LOVING NOT WEARING! it is riducluous how you have to pay 3000 for a fur coat.

    • AnimalsMustLive

      No way! it is unexceptional to wear a real fur coat. think of the poor animals who have to die for your stupid plesure!!!!!! ANIMALS ARE FOR LOVING NOT WEARING! it is riducluous how you have to pay 3000 for a fur coat.

    • MDHorsegirl

      PETA and other nonprofit animal foundations collect fur coats. Some places use them for orphaned animals. Think of the baby animal you could help by donating your “dead” clothes!

    • MDHorsegirl

      Amen

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      You go girl! I'm with you on that one!

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      It's ironic and totally weird, but a great cause. And, I suppose if you have a coat that you feel bad owning- it's pretty awesome that you can give it a second, more meaningful life.

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      You go girl! I'm with you on that one!

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      It's ironic and totally weird, but a great cause. And, I suppose if you have a coat that you feel bad owning- it's pretty awesome that you can give it a second, more meaningful life.

    • MDHorsegirl

      PETA and other nonprofit animal foundations collect fur coats. Some places use them for orphaned animals. Think of the baby animal you could help by donating your “dead” clothes!

    • MDHorsegirl

      Amen

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      You go girl! I'm with you on that one!

    • Madeline_Rhodes

      It's ironic and totally weird, but a great cause. And, I suppose if you have a coat that you feel bad owning- it's pretty awesome that you can give it a second, more meaningful life.

    • MickyB

      Only animals are allowed to wear fur.

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