We are in a different state of mind these days. Following the high-profile “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” supermodel campaign led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and this past years recession which promoted the ‘waste not, want not’ mentality, and ‘make do’ attitude of consumers, the thought of flaunting a lavish fur coat this Fall just seems downright shameful.
Where does vintage fit into the fur debate? The rights and wrongs of wearing vintage fur coats is an ethical grey area. Recycled furs do have environmental benefits, however many die-hards feel that wearing any type of fur for fashion’s sake to some extent perpetuates a taste for wearing real fur.
Many fashion-conscious women are turning to vintage furs as a guilt-free alternative to contemporary fur. It’s also a more affordable one. Vintage fur is up to ten times cheaper than a contemporary fur coat. “Sales of vintage mink coats have rocketed,” says Annie Moss of Annie’s Vintage in North London. “Many people see vintage as an ethical choice: a guilt-free, pro-animal rights, pro-environmental way of wearing fur.”
Furriers have begun to take notice of the demand for recycled furs as well. They also recognize that many vintage coats are not considered desirable due to their unfashionable cut or shape of the garment. We are seeing more and more furriers offering alteration services along with cleaning and storage services. You can have your beloved fur coat re-designed into a more flattering piece! They can also turn your old fur coats into smaller pieces like stoles, mittens, hats, purses, etc. There are many options when it comes to wearing vintage furs or recycling it into other uses.
Tags: fur, PETA, recycling fur, vintage fur
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i must admit, i will not buy a new fur coat or wear one. a vintage fur is different to me as it has history. its been around for decades and why waste it? i love that you brought this up. i am totally pro animal rights. i feel its a waste to toss a vintage fur coat. first comment! read about it on twitter love!:)
I am of the “reuse, re purpose, recycle” frame of mind - wear what you want, how you want. If no one wore the vintage furs they would just land in the land fill and that would be a shame!
I am against fur farms where animals were and still arey raised to deliver fur for fashion and vanity.
I would say there are so many faux fur coats, jackets etc. leave the fur on the animals and don’t promote it at all Vintage or not.
Thanks and I love your site and blog. FABULOUS
I think it makes perfect sense to wear vintage furs. Economical as well as very well made. I personally feel if a little animal gave his life a long time ago the least that can be done is use the item. If one has a fur item and feels it is not right to wear it then donate it to animal shelter for bedding or homeless shelter to keep others warm that do not have coats. IMHO of course.
It’s true, the recession has made it somewhat rude for people to flaunt their excess. I’ve taken to bragging about thrifty finds, whereas before I would only give up “It’s vintage” and flash the label when asked about my procurements as to not sound cheap. Sporting vintage nowadays suits many to boast, since they are, in effect, recycling. “Green is the new black”. However, fur is still a touchy subject. Vintage or not, fur seems to speak volumes for itself when worn.
I stopped buying and wearing fur and leather myself over a year ago, about the time we adopted our kitty, Penelope. It is very gratifying to say “no animals were harmed in the making of these boots”. Rachel Zoe is coming out (if it isn’t already out) with a faux fur line that looks like a lot of fun. Seems this is the new way.
this is such a touchy subject…i am one who loves my furry friends…(i have two) and love my fur…i tend to only wear vintage fur…i guess my feeling is along the lines of sandra…if a little animal gave his life…it would be a shame for that item to not be used…
my biggest concern is when people wearing furs are spray painted…or harassed…this to me is excessive…i feel everyone has the right to feel the way they do…without being criticised or placed in a dangerous or fearful situation…
http://www.fabulousfinds-elena.blogspot.com
This is such an ongoing debate. While we would never wear fur ourselves, it up to the person to “recycle” by wearing a vintage fur. Why let it go to waste?
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I’m wondering what the “vintage” threshold is for elephant tusks… a decade, two decades, three or four decades? Is there some kind of time ceiling after which it becomes cool and “guilt-free” to where ivory? Will “vintage ivory” and “vintage tortoise shell” and “vintage rhinoceros horn” be all the rage next year as part of our revisionism? Is this the age of Rationalisation Queens?