No Fur For Us: Sustainable Alternatives
The fur and animal industry, in combination with, fashion is damaging not only to natural environments and ecosystems but is also cruel to the millions of animals that are subjected each year to horrible and deadly treatment. More than 50 million animals are killed each year at the hands of the fashion industry. This number needs to change, and we must commit to opting out of authentic fur in order to do so.
Mink, foxes, and rabbits are the most commonly mistreated animals within this sector of the fashion industry (among many others), although the retrieval process of the coveted animal product is often misconstrued. Many companies boast “ethical” sourcing of their animal products. Well, the truth is, if any animal is hurt or loses its life in the process, it simply cannot be that ethical. Companies that pump out fur products commonly state that their furs are “by products” of meat production, often indicating that these furs came from animals that were already being taken advantage of. The reality is that most furs are derived from animals raised solely for the benefit of the fur market, and the only true green alternative is to abstain from buying authentic fur.
In response to the harsh truth about the fur market, many brands have developed their own vegan fur products, so that you can achieve a cozy look without guilt weighing heavy on your fashion conscience. PhotoBook curates four of the most stylish vegan fur options below, within a wide spectrum of prices ranges, for all of your layered looks this fall season.
1. Unreal Fur
Unreal Fur’s mission is simple, yet boldly effective: end the use of real fur and animal products in the fashion industry by designing vegan products that are so irresistibly luxe, you couldn’t possibly pass them up. A family-owned label in Melbourne, Australia, Unreal uses faux shearling wool, faux suede, and modacrylic faux fur. All of its products are PETA approved and completely cruelty-free.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3C7OU2b
Source: https://unrealfur.com
Source: https://unrealfur.com
2. House of Fluff
House of Fluff champions the idea that caring for the environment is always in style. You can look chic while doing it, in glamorous faux-fur jackets made from recycled synthetics and plant-based polymers. Many animal-free furs still use some non-biodegradable fibers, like polyesters, but House of Fluff stands out from the pack by formulating its own unique substitutes with teams of scientists and suppliers.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3oqr6BQ
Source: https://houseoffluff.com
3. Jakke
Jakke was born in East London and spearheaded by designer Nina Hopkins in 2015. A “Free from Fur” declaration graces each one of their jackets, displaying the brand’s commitment to creating ethical fashion. Not only do they use faux-fur, but they also employ faux shearling and this past season, 45% of the online collection was made from recycled plastic bottles. The sky is the limit for Hopkins and Jakke.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3n5bLHe
Source: https://jakke.co.uk
4. Maison Atia
Business partners Chloé Mendel and Gustave Maisonrouge combine sustainable craft and style with Maison Atia. They are changing the faux-fur industry. Maison Atia practices animal-free production on top of no-waste production, and all of their textiles and resources are recycled, deadstock, or sustainable. For examples, Koba is a bio-based faux fur. The company partners with Paws Chicago, a notable no-kill shelter in North America. With each purchase of outerwear from the #BuyACoatSaveAPuppy campaign, a homeless pet is transported to a shelter.
Fortunately, authentic fur has is a fad of the past, and many brands are now exploring alternatives like the companies described here have. For this fall season, think of comfort and consideration for our planet; reach for faux fur.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/3wDzSjn
Source: https://www.maisonatia.com
Source: https://www.maisonatia.com
Article by Kayla Curtis-Evans, Contributing Sustainable Editor PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets: Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
