Something is shifting on the international catwalks. Despite the fur industry’s best efforts (and somewhat ambitious, erroneous claims that “fur is back”), real fur is becoming obsolete. New research by PETA shows that a staggering 86% of London Fashion Week designers, including jewellers and milliners, did not show real fur this autumn/winter season. Faux fur is sweeping powerfully over the catwalks courtesy of Simone Rocha, Ashish, and Dries Van Noten to name a few. Even specialist fur designer Charlotte Simone offers all her styles in faux fur as well. Street-style favourite Shrimps has taken Fashion Week by storm with their recognisable colourful faux furs and the queen of animal-friendly style, Stella McCartney, introduced “fur-free furs” a year ago, with airy, dreamlike coats proudly proclaiming their faux-ness on the sleeves. Faking it is cooler than ever – and those who choose to do so have more choice than ever before.
Long-time fashion greats such as Vivienne Westwood are swearing off fur to keep with the times, while newcomers like Faustine Steinmetz start their Fashion Week careers without ever having gone near the stuff. Then there are trailblazers like Felder Felder, the vegan design duo who never use a single shred of animal-derived materials in their collections. Little by little, pelts are becoming the territory of the caveman-esque mentalities of fashion’s past – and innovative, animal-friendly materials are taking their place. For proof, see these to-die-for looks – that no one actually had to die for.
Carven. This cool-girl French brand used faux furs only in their irreverent yet chic collection.
Holly Fulton. This creative Brit designer plays with patterns and volumes in all her collections, including the fur-free AW16.
H&M. The world’s biggest consumer of organic cotton was also celebrated for the diversity their multi-ethnic models brought to the catwalk. The brand has a long-standing anti-fur policy.
Shrimps. This playful faux-fur brand is a street-style favourite – quite rightfully. Designer Hannah Weiland’s modern take on faux is a sure sign that vegan fashion is the future.
Felder Felder. Sisters Daniela and Annette Felder are committed vegans! Not only is their collection fur-free, it’s also completely free from any animal skins. Respect.
See by Chloe. This younger, hipper sister or legendary brand Chloe eschewed animal pelts in its 70s-inspired, breezy yet elegant AW16 presentation.
Victoria Beckham. The queen of considered, carefully constructed fashion has never used real fur in her collections.
Ashish. Urbanwear meets nonchalant elegance in this London-based brand’s eclectic collections, which featured faux furs only.
Vika Gazinskaya. Russia is one of the last leading fur markets, alongside China – but even here, young designers like Vika are not only fur-free, but eschew leather as well. See more on Vika here.
Simone Rocha. One of the most-hyped designers of London Fashion Week, Simone Rocha puts her own spin on updated feminine silhouettes. With the addition of faux furs only.
Faustine Steinmetz. With a passion for sustainability, this eco-conscious designer stays away from fur and leather – but not from colour, excitement and eccentricity, as her collections show.
Stella McCartney. The undisputed queen of animal-friendly fashion, Stella has once again brought supremely refined fur-free and leather-free designs to Paris Fashion Week. The epitome of grown-up chic, this is the collection we all want to be seen in.
Fur-free style is ruling the catwalks, and the young and promising designers are taking the conversation further. Hopefully, with this innovative and talented new fashion pack leading the way, pelts will soon be a thing of the past.
Header photo by David Camilli. All other photos courtesy of Vogue.co.uk
