FRIENDS OF FUR: WHY IS IT STILL FASHION FAVOURITE IN CHINA?
Fur has fallen from favour at London Fashion Week, with a PETA poll finding that 95% of designers will not be using fur in their AW 2018 collections
by Buse Beysungu
​
Fur farming has been illegal in the UK for 18 years, but China - the world’s largest mink pelt producer – has benefited from this, expanding its industry. There is currently no animal welfare legislation in China. An undercover investigation by Swiss Animal Protection found that animals were beaten with sticks and thrown to the ground before being skinned alive. Mark Glover, director of Respect for Animals believes “only bans on fur farming can address the serious welfare issues inherent in the industry.”
Fur pieces are displayed during an international fashion event in Beijing - China Fashion Week. The event is held semi-annually in March and October, with the next one showcasing A/W collections between 25th and 31st March. The latest Spring/Summer 18 catwalk showcased fur bearing pieces from coats to hair accessories and shoes. Clare Fowler from PETA believes “markets like China accept sponsorship from furriers to bankroll their fashion shows in return for placing fur items on the catwalk.”
In 2015, China Fashion Week showcased a collection by Kopenhagen Fur – the largest fur skin auction company. Presented as a ‘simple yet fashionable fur style,’ Kopenhagen Fur stated its adherence to using sustainable furs – while still fuelling an industry that slaughters millions of animals each year. Isobel McNally from Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade, questions “taking an animal’s life just for its skin for the purposes of fashion, could it ever be ethical?”
Many designers still produce creations out of animal skins, despite a number of luxury fashion houses dropping fur from their label. Burberry – a popular designer amongst Asian consumers, was also amongst those to scrap fur from their A/W18 collection.
