Dear Versus,
I really love one of this fall’s fashion trends—fur. The problem is that the idea of killing animals for their fur bothers me. (A mink coat is also out of my college budget.) What is a good option for me? Is leather an alternative? Help!
-Freezing in Furman
Dear "Freezing",
Fur for fall is one of the season’s hottest trends—from the bohemian, 70’s-inspired fur vests popularized by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoë, to fur trim on motorcycle jackets and shearling gloves. Forget about white fur out of the 80s, or long coats that look nouveau riche: this season, if you want to stay warm through Nashville’s mild winter and look chic on the way to Calculus class, throw on a fur accent.
Why should you wear fur? Because fur is polished and sophisticated; because you will be able to withstand an Alberta Clipper should the jet stream dip as far south as Vanderbilt this winter; and because you can instantly look foxy by wearing fox.
Why shouldn’t you wear fur? Candidly, it is barbaric to slaughter an animal for its pelt. Foxes, mink, chinchillas and other animals bred for their pelts are subjected to inhumane conditions before they are slaughtered. These animals are raised on fur farms until maturity, when they are slaughtered to yield maximum profit for their coat. Operators of fur farms keep overhead down by housing the animals in tiny cages, which makes the animals anxious and causes them to engage in self-mutilation and other neurotic behaviors. In addition, mink, which accounts for the majority of fur on the market, is selectively bred to yield unique, unnatural coat colors. The animals pay the price of these intentional genetic mutations, which cause other genetic defects. If you can rationalize the torture of sentient beings, then be my guest and wear fur: I’ll be waiting for you outside of class with red paint, á la PETA.
What’s the alternative? Go faux or go home! Faux fur is a great way to invest in a fur coat without killing animals in the name of fashion. A good “faux” doesn’t look synthetic or cheap—look to Juicy this season to nail the trend; the brand carries sleek faux coyote vests and coats. This season, a peacoat for fall is passé, and the motorcycle jacket has been done (plus, it sparks another ethical debate). Remember: Fur for fall is fierce, but only if it’s faux.
