the style observer is about putting it all together

what’s your take on real vs. faux?

October 15th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Autunno Elie Tahari Jones New York Juicy Couture Kenneth Cole Marvin Richards Robert Rodriguez Via Spiga accessories clothing coats designers shoes

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