This editorial was kindly sponsored by Unreal Fur. This article contains affiliate links.

In this day and age, real fur is an unthinkable choice for most people – there are no excuses for not knowing how animals suffer for the creation of real fur, as information is more readily available than ever. This is why more and more fashion houses are refusing to work with fur, while many celebrities are proclaiming themselves fur-free. But do you secretly feel guilty for loving the look of fur? You don’t have to: today’s faux options look just as soft and luxurious as the real deal, if not more so, and were of course created without harming a hair on an animal’s head. Humans have always drawn inspiration from nature in creating clothing and art, and emulating the look of fur without the cruelty is a win-win.

The brand

One of our favourite winterwear brands, Unreal Fur, proudly proclaims in their very name what they are all about – faux all the way. Their colourful collections don’t try to imitate real fur, despite being every bit as luxe. Today, being fiercely faux and proud of it is just as much a status symbol as real fur once was, and the masses of bloggers, models and celebrities who wear Unreal Fur’s designs is proof. When they approached Vilda for a collaboration, we were thrilled to help showcase their collections.

The styling

For this editorial shoot, we used four pieces: the Unreal Dream jacket in Forest Green, a boxy-cut shaggy design; the dramatic hip-length Elixir coat in Neutral; the soft and luxurious Silver Lining scarf in Grey; and the ombre-hued, edgy Liquid Fudge Gilet in Olive/Plum. Each of these designs shows the variety that faux fur can bring – from natural hues to wildly unnatural colours, from luxurious lengths to chic short cuts, and the ability to choose between going all-out with a statement coat or simply adding a fuzzy scarf. We added some height with Beyond Skin pumps. Another co-star of the show was this dress from People Tree, from Brighton’s FAIR Shop, a sustainable fashion boutique (not in Brighton? Find it in the Vilda shop!).

The mood

A mix of interior and exterior shots, this editorial came together in the seaside resort of Brighton – the grey autumnal sea provided an interesting backdrop for the elegant furs. Model Josephine McGrail of LoveLight Models channeled the energy of a bored affluent young woman, spending the day frolicking about in a seaside town that’s quieted down after the excesses of summer. 

 

The location

The playfulness and bright colours of Brighton beach juxtaposed with the atmosphere on a gray, cloudy day (thankfully the team’s prayers for no rain paid off!) was the ideal setting for this autumnal story, where the eye-catching faux furs took centre stage.

The hair and makeup

To help create the right mood, hair stylist Emma Grant gave Josephine a Marilyn Monroe-esque look with rich, full waves – the seaside wind added a breezy element, ideal for making it appear anything but overdone – alternated with a luxurious version of a messy bun. Makeup artist Diana Fule completed the image with femme fatale-esque makeup: dramatic black eyeliner met deep red lipstick that commanded attention.

 

All photos: David Camilli

Styling and direction: Sascha Camilli

Model: Josephine McGrail at LoveLight Models

Navy dress and red patterned dress:  People Tree at FAIR Shop Brighton

Pumps: Beyond Skin

Peep toe heels: stylist’s own

Trousers and top: model’s own

Makeup: Diana Fule

Hair: Emma Grant

Special thanks to Brighton Makeup School, FAIR Shop Brighton and LoveLight Models

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