Guest Feature: Fur, Friend or Faux? by Erin Allenn...

So it's time for my fourth guest post since I decided to take my blog break, and I can genuinely say that this whole guest post idea was fantastic and I am a genius! I've had such a great response from handfuls of budding writers and awesome bloggers alike and everyone has been really supportive. One such beautiful blogger is the lovely Erin from The 411 of Fashion. 

When this lady contacted me expressing her interest to write about the very important debate about genuine versus faux fur I leaped at the opportunity of having her on board. As a fashionista, and not necessarily an animal rights activist, I've often wondered to myself where I would draw the line in terms of what I would do to look good. It's a very personal thing really, depending on your own personal beliefs and some, like me, have what some people may call an 'odd' standpoint on the controversial topic. I believe that if I could get a good price on a vintage genuine fur, then I would buy it. I might not wear it as these days it can be kind of dangerous to sport real fur in public due to violent animal rights activists. However, I'd consider it a fair purchase, as I'd be owning what I think of as a fundamental piece of fashion history. Having said that, I would NEVER buy a new fur item, because these days we all know how awfully these animals are treated, and generally have a better idea of the difference between right and wrong. I also like to think that I'd never purchase from a brand that has used real fur since we learnt how horrible it is to kill animals in order to enhance our personal appearance. Even if I was about to purchase something not-fur-related because I'd hate to be seen as supporting a company that endorses cruelty in such a big way.

Like I said, some people may think that's a huge contradiction, but it's how I feel and it's a very personal topic where I think everyone is allowed their own opinion if they can argue it validly, intelligently and respectfully. Anyway, enough about what I think, let's see what the rather talented Erin has to say about this often compromising issue...

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"You murderer" With those slanderous words shouted at the poor Kim Catrall in the ever-forgiving film Sex and the City, we have to wonder if real fur will ever grace fashion weeks again? Whether we like it or not, everybody wants to create a reaction within the fashion landscape, even if it is wearing a ferret around your neck or a rabbit on your body. With fur always being a hot topic and the mass media always having something to say with reactions flying everywhere and dividing the industry, I began to think about my opinions on this topic. Would I sport a fur coat if I had the opportunity or just stick to fake fur? Would I want to create a reaction or just sink into the background of the fashion industry? An industry which usually encourages controversy.

Why must animals die when faux fur can look as chic as this?

With star studded celebs and hot-to-trot models tottering around with real fur jackets, gilets and scarves including the likes of Kate Moss, plus the ever-increasing popularity of vintage clothes, it's no wonder that the public domain has been hunting real fur jackets in recent years. However it's big name designers such as Mathew Williamson, Burberry and Mulberry who have previously used real fur in their collections that come as a shock. 

With electrocution, gassing and drowning as the top three ways that animals are killed for fashion it just shows the harsh realities of what designers are willing to do in order to cause a reaction. Of course we know how competitive the fashion world can be. However, what some designers will do to stay at the top of their game is horrific in my opinion. 

With real fur being ever-so-easy to get hold of and at the cheapest it's been for a long while, fashion conscious ladies of all ages are having a field day. Vintage stalls and festivals are in their prime with real fur being sold left, right and centre. A friend of mine bought a rabbit fur jacket for £15 - I must add my reaction was one of shock. Of course, this is all a case of personal preference.

Charities forcefully fighting the use of real fur including PETA set up a campaign using big name models announcing to the world that they are against the use of real fur with the slogan 'We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur'. I'm sure this grabbed 99.9% of the male population, score! On a more serious level though, the release of this has had a hugely positive impact in the fashion world with real fur slowly vanishing from fashion weeks and fake fur rapidly becoming an ultimate must. Real fur momentarily became a craze of the past as fake fur sales rocketed.

Rocking another faux fur. You can still have that animal print look... without supporting murder of our furry friends! Check out your high-street faves for cruelty free chicness this A/W 2013.

However, our new found obsession with the fashions of the past has brought the debate back into the public eye and I have no doubt it will be everlasting. Real fur versus fake fur. Animals being killed versus animals kept alive. I know which one I'd pick. For me, wearing a rabbit has never been appealing.

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Its funny because to be honest, before Erin contacted me, I didn't find the debate between faux and real fur to be a contemporary or relevant one for us today... Following the 'We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur' campaign which Erin refers to, I just kind of thought it was universally decided that, yes, it's wrong and unnecessary to use real fur and no we won't do it anymore. However, our obsession with trends of years gone by has allowed real fur to sneak back into our fashion consciousness and leaves us questioning exactly where we stand... My opinion is the same as in my little introduction, but I'd be interested to see what my readers have to say about the topic... Would you buy a vintage fur? Would you wear it? If Chanel decided to use zebras to make coats (and you were a millionaire) would you buy one if it looked nice enough?

Thank you for reading and definitely go and check out Erin's blog here. She does some fabulous outfit posts and her hair and make-up are always perfection... GO FOLLOW! Haha :) Thank you Erin, you've been great and you're more than welcome to guest post again. I've really enjoyed working with you :)

If you're interested in guest posting for HauteFuture, please check out this link and send me an email.

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