Mark Oaten, CEO of the International Fur Federation, representing the fur trade worldwide, said: “For many years we have been proud to work with Burberry and provide them with high quality natural furs.
“We understand and support their initiative to minimise waste and how they are dealing with the stock burning issue in order to be more environmentally friendly.
“However their decision to phase out fur is disappointing and contradicts their statement of, ‘luxury being environmentally responsible’.
“Substituting natural fur with plastic petroleum-based materials, like fake fur, is in no shape or form neither luxury nor responsible and sustainable.
“Using plastic fake fur in fashion is not sustainable and ends up damaging the oceans, the environment and the entire ecosystem.
“Any fashion business with a commitment to sustainability should be using natural products such as wool, cotton, leather, silk and natural fur.
“Fur is farmed to the very highest standards, it is sustainable and many designers and brands continue to work with it.
“We think Burberry should allow its customers freedom of choice in purchasing natural or plastics.”
I definetely agree with Mr. Oaten!
It is nonsense that a brand, based on cachemire and leather goods – all exquisite natural materials – bans fur. This choice will inevitably lead to use fake/plastic fur a.k.a. “ECO-FUR”, which is even more absurd, and against any kind of sustainability.
I believe that, all these big Brands, i.e. Gucci, Versace etc. , are following a – strange- kind of marketing-lead common wave… unconcerned of their customers’ preferences, anyway.
However I trust in all of us, people who love, and embrace every single piece of this luxurious and intriguing world, joining together , and choosing everyday to follow our path, against all odds.