#faux fur vs. real fur

[plutusbrands]

Plutus Brands: Your Source for Luxury Home Decor, Pillows, and Faux Fur Throws

If you’re looking to elevate your home decor with a touch of luxury, Plutus Brands is the perfect place to begin. Specializing in stunning home accents, designer pillows, and the softest faux fur throws, Plutus Brands offers a wide selection that blends quality, style, and affordability. What is Plutus Brands? Plutus Brands is a leading name in the home decor and furnishings industry. They…

[a-dragons-journal]

Apparently the OP of the post I recently reblogged on the subject is anti-endo, oops, so deleting that and making my own post. (We do not support fakeclaiming and accusing people of being wrong about their own experiences in this house.)

Look, the fake tails vs real tails thing isn't something I really want to get into a whole debate about, but the short of it is,

there's no one right-all-the-time answer for whether to get a fake tail or a real one, practically or morally speaking.

Many real tails come from unethical sources, yes, and people should be careful about where they get any real animal parts from - but the answer is not "never buy real tails, only ever get fake ones." There are a lot of reasons a fake tail might not work for someone, and moreover, faux fur is plastic and every time it gets washed or wet it puts microplastics into the environment. Ecologically speaking, it is worse for the world than real fur.

And on the flipside, there's reasons a real tail might not work for someone - they might be personally uncomfortable with touching the fur of a dead animal, or they might not be able to afford a tail they're sure is ethically sourced (as it's often harder to find affordable tails that aren't coming from unethical sources).

Quit yellin' at each other about the One True Moral Way and instead focus on a) education about how to tell if a fur source is likely to be treating their animals poorly (though it's not as common as you might think, from what I've read, because if you treat animals poorly the quality of their fur tends to go to shit), and b) education on the cons and pros of each type of tail.

[purringfayestudio]

Just a little note about my art materials.

I DO NOT use real animal fur in my art plush.

If you are already aware, great! You can go about your day. For more info or the reasons for this announcement, read more. (CW frustration, rant. Discussion around real fur vs fake fur and people attacking before they read.)

I am not vegan, but I feel a special level of frustration when people immediately assume I'm using real fur (or worse "dead animals") to make my plushies. Especially when I clearly say I'm using "faux fur" and "fabric" in my posts/captions. Faux means "fake" and real fur (i.e. pelts) is not fabric.

Ignorance is totally fine. Not everyone has access to the knowledge or experience to differentiate real vs fake fur. BUT I expect everyone who comments to be capable of reading the caption first.

Beyond people not reading, though, it's the immediate assumption that I'm a murderer or something, as if realistic things can't possibly be fake. And then sometimes jumping straight into attacking me over it instead of taking four seconds to read what I already wrote about it.

It creates drama where there is none. It's unnecessary, manufactured outrage for no reason. I'm just here to chill and share my fiber arts that I work incredibly hard to make look real, but very much aren't.

I make realistic, FAKE animals so that people who don't want to be irresponsible by cuddling a living (or dead) exotic can still experience holding a realistic replica. Since they're soft and weighted, they are also immensely comforting for anxious or neurodivergent people.

Faux fur gives me the freedom to make any animal, real or not, in virtually any color. Real fur, on the other hand, is prohibitively expensive, limited in "design" and color, and terribly, woefully difficult to sew (it's literally leather under the hairs). Besides I have a moral objection to cutting up pelts to be used for fashion or other non-essential items, except for indigenous or extreme climate cultures.

That said, not all my plush are 100% vegan. Some contain horse hairs as whiskers. These are ethically collected and sourced from a Native American small business. If needed, I can remove them upon buyer's request. At least until I find a synthetic alternative.

So from here out I'll just be weeding out people who act before they read because I'm getting very tired of it across every social media site I'm on. It's like 3-4 comments on every post now, everywhere. I'd assume it was trolls except for how sheepish people act when I reply that it's fake. I should be flattered they think it's real but mostly I'm just tired of fighting drama fires.

Anyhow. Thank you for your time. Let me know if y'all want to see a real vs fake fur educational post. Even if you are vehemently against real fur, it would serve you well to know the difference so you can make educated decisions.

[aisharoy16]

Mink Blankets 101: Understanding the Basics

In the bedding world, mink blankets reign supreme, offering a perfect synthesis of luxury and comfort. This Mink Blankets 101 guide aims to unravel the intricacies of these blankets, delving into their materials, unique characteristics, and benefits and providing guidance on selecting the perfect one for your needs.

Materials and Construction

At their core, Mink blankets come in two primary categories: faux and genuine fur. Faux mink blankets are crafted from synthetic materials, often a mix of acrylic and polyester fibers, meticulously designed to replicate the sumptuous feel of real fur. Genuine mink fur blankets, on the other hand, boast a higher level of luxury, crafted from the pelts of mink, and are considered a premium option in the mink blanket spectrum. The weaving techniques employed also contribute to their varied textures - knit mink blankets are softer and slightly stretched, while woven ones tend to be denser and more structured.

Characteristics of Mink Blankets

What sets mink blankets apart is their unrivaled softness and texture. Faux mink blankets, while lightweight, offer a velvety touch akin to real fur, making them a versatile choice for different climates. Genuine mink fur blankets, with their heavier feel, provide an extra layer of warmth, perfect for colder seasons. The plushness of these blankets results from the intricate weaving process, creating a texture that feels indulgent against the skin.

Benefits of Mink Blankets

Mink blankets are not just about aesthetics; they boast a range of practical benefits.

Warmth and Insulation:

Mink blankets provide exceptional warmth, making them an ideal choice for the colder months.

The insulating properties of these blankets create a cozy cocoon, ensuring a restful night's sleep.

Versatility Across Seasons:

Faux mink blankets are breathable and lighter, making them suitable for warmer seasons.

Genuine mink fur blankets offer cozy warmth during the colder months.

Aesthetic Appeal:

The aesthetic allure of mink blankets adds a touch of sophistication to any bedroom.

Diverse designs and patterns make them a versatile addition to various decor styles.

Choosing the Right Mink Blanket

Selecting the perfect mink blanket involves thoughtful consideration of size and material.

Size Matters:

Options range from twin to king, catering to different bed dimensions and personal preferences.

Consider the size that complements your bed and room dimensions.

Customization Options:

Numerous mink blanket suppliers provide customization options.

Tailor your blanket's color, design, and size to suit your unique taste.

Faux vs. Genuine Mink Fur:

The decision between faux and genuine mink fur concerns individual tastes, ethical considerations, and budget constraints.

Evaluate the pros and cons of each material before making a choice.

Care and Maintenance

Preserving the pristine condition of your mink blanket necessitates careful maintenance.

Washing Recommendations:

Washing recommendations may vary; some blankets are suitable for machine washing, while others demand delicate dry cleaning.

Adhere to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure longevity.

Proper Storage:

Proper storage during off-seasons ensures your mink blanket remains fresh, vibrant, and ready for use whenever needed.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Health and Well-Being Benefits

Beyond their physical attributes, mink blankets contribute significantly to overall well-being.

Enhanced Sleep Quality:

The softness and comfort of mink blankets create an inviting sleep environment.

Enhance your sleep quality for a more rejuvenating experience.

Stress Reduction:

The tactile experience of a mink blanket against the skin can contribute to a sense of security and comfort.

Reduce stress levels and promote relaxation for better mental well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mink blankets embody more than bedding; they represent a commitment to comfort and style. This comprehensive understanding of the basics empowers you to make an informed choice when selecting a mink blanket. Whether you seek warmth during winter or a touch of luxury for your bedroom, a mink blanket stands ready to meet your desires. Explore the diverse options available, choose wisely, and relish the luxurious embrace of a mink blanket. Sweet dreams and restful nights await you!

Discover unparalleled luxury with Jindal Textile, the premier destination for exquisite mink blankets. As one of the foremost mink blanket manufacturers in India, India, we offer unrivaled quality and craftsmanship. Explore our extensive range of sumptuous mink blankets and elevate your comfort to new heights.

[farsailing]

goodwills website has vintage fur coats for . chump change and. i am looking 👀

[solrika]

@thatonegreyghost thought I should make a new post for textile nerdery :p

Is there an easy way to tell if it’s real lace? I don’t think I’ve ever handled any, so I dunno how to spot it “in the wild.” Eg. real fur has a different texture/look than faux. And also, what makes it “real?” Is it handmade vs. machine-made?

[organic-guacamole]

episode 210 here we go

awww seb doing the intro

congratulations to milky white and her baby chocolate milk😌

seb is so funny

but seriously, clean up that milk fast or else it will smell so bad in there....

was that Lauryn just randomly doing cartwheels? idk any theatre kids irl but that seems like it's a common thing...

is it just me or has ms Jenn been getting more harsh to Ricky and Seb mainly-

like what did they do to her

no because I actually snorted with laughter at the "you came back" WHAT IS THAT VOICE-

AND THE MASK OMG

yeah so my throat hurts now

I'm dying over here

KOURTNEY'S FACE

SAME GIRL SAME

Ricky's fake death got the whole place in tears /s

he looks like an asthmatic walrus

Seb's on piano, I love

we all know if he was the beast we'd all actually be crying✋

ok but I listen to Julia's version of home on Spotify when I want to cry-

right so gimme a second

is Ricky scratching his face.....while he's dying?

"belle i-" *flop*

round of applause to Ashlyn for trying to make Ricky's earthworm seizure look less.... yknow

Kourtney's just dying there

WAIT IS THAT NATALIE

did she really just disappear for 9 episodes just to come back and stare dramatically into the camera

WAIT SCRATCH THAT SHES HERE TO MURDER ASHLYN AND RICKY

oh so Ricky's wearing a gay shirt now too

so that's the real reason why Rini broke up, see y'all next season when Gini and caswen become canon /j

wait that was a long intro scene-

what was that look Carlos-

TALK TO MY BOY OR ELSE

carlos' run is so funny to me

therapist Ashlyn to the rescue

"that is...super" son you good?

ms Jenn call Benjamin, he would willingly put his loved ones on a rocket and blast them into Venus for you....

maybe

"I don't want you kids to be disappointed" girl you do realise you're the one that's most invested in this?

"a smooth opening night" wasn't there just 1 show though-

like their opening night was closing night too

"I think I was Troy at one point" PLEASE THATS THE MOST ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE SEASON 1 FINALE

me Jenn looks like a serial killer during that clap and I'm lowkey scared for zacky

"I have notes"

oo if you're taking suggestions, lemme get my list

"mother is freaking out" uhhhhhh

right....'mother"

"is everyone sitting down?"

*looks around awkwardly*

*big red slowly sits*

"no..."

please seb was the only one sitting-

does that mean Carlos looked at Seb as soon as he walked in and assumed that everyone else was sitting too or am I a seblos clown🤡

"is this about the transformation"

WOW MAYBE OT IS RICKY

WOW HES A DETECTIVE FOR FIGURING THAT OUT SO QUICK🤩

YO WHY IS NATALIE HERE-

she just shows up when it's convenient? is she gonna be at the sleepover too?

Seb's heavy swallow after Carlos shouts at him makes me so sad

"I never learned how to lie but I figure if I keep my mouth closed, I can't tell the truth" *nods and smiles at Nini when she asks*

why are they casually standing up all over the pizza shop, just sit at a big table and talk instead of blocking passageways and blocking off at least 6 tables-

"how about I invite myself" WHY DO PEOPLE ALWAYS FEEL THE NEED TO INVITE THEMSELVES TO ASHLYN'S HOUSE-

YOU CAN ASK BUT JUST FORCE YOUR WAY IN?

so Cash Caswell has a bigger house than... Dennis Caswell.... who would've thought

ah yes there's the good old EJ 1.0

Nini: "boys vs girls"

Gina: *looks devastated and glances longingly at EJ*

way to be inconspicuous

"but north high should be" *cracks her knuckles in the most uncomfortable way*

good for Ashlyn for getting more confident though

oo bossy big red

"i get bossy around the power tools"

is that why Ashlyn was holding up the drill in episode 8 orrrr 🤠

oh

Lily, leave him alone please

she's literally not blinking, is that what makes her creepy?

the diss at big red and his face afterwards is priceless

isn't that similar to what Gina's mom said to her in season 1? hmmmm

but seriously please don't try to redeem lily, let us have a character to hate, or to love because they're evil.

not everyone's a good guy.

"im not liked here and I don't know what to do"

let antoine finish his salad and it'll fix everything

"hug emoji" *gags*

y'all realize Lily's literally 14?

why is she calling a 16/17 year old from another school for personal advice-

"he gets weird around tools"

I shouldn't be laughing so hard

"deja vu maybe?" awkward silence

I'm dying here I love EJ so so so so much

"where's seb"

*cuts to seb being held hostage hoping that they'd notice he's missing and go look for him*

"don't ask"

"oh ok"

"100% real faux fur" as you should queen

sponsored by target

Kourtney is singlehandedly saving the entire show.

Seb making finger guns make me happier than it should

why is this kinda making me want to have a co-ed sleepover with my non-existent theatre friends

YES YOU DO NEED TO TALK/SING TO SEB CARLOS THANK YOU FOR KNOWING THAT

wait what-

you haven't talked to him all WEEK-

Carlos are you stupid /hj

Benjamin is so adorable I can't

he turned around to come back for her instead of going home. you're "what do you want Jenn🙄X act isn't fooling anyone Benjamin 🙃

10101

1+4+16= 21st?

they placed 21st?

or do I just not remember how to convert to base ten

GIRL DON'T BE RUDE TO HIM, HE'S GONNA SAVE YALL

no ms Jenn, the kids are not eccentric 35 year olds.

aww sebby

is he thinking that Carlos is only with him cuz he's the only other openly gay guy at school-

son you are a perfect little bean don't put yourself down

yes they all ship portwell as they should.

they'll be throwing risotto at the wedding.

not the chocolates. stop there are no chocolates. please stop I'm dying.

Gina you don't have to explain yourself to her

it was a misunderstanding and it's in the past

why is Ashlyn still laughing-

exactly it wasn't a big deal please just move on Nini

Kourtney really be out here saving everything

WHY IS ASHLYN STILL LAUGHING

why do I feel like when Gina finally told Ash about it, she didn't think it was that funny but wanted to feel included in the inside joke so now she brings it up randomly to show that she's in on it....I totally don't do that...

"idk, the farmer type" oh son...

Ashlyn and big red are just spilling the secrets back and forth huh?

OOO EJ AND GINA SITTING IN A TREE K-I-S-S-I-

cmon guys don't look at me like that-

"she is the best" and "we're buddies" don't sound right together

"pretty boy" "sweet boy" best ways to describe EJ

I love him.

and aw he's scared of rejection so he'll hold back just to keep her happy and not awkward how sweet

is Ricky wondering if letting her go(literally his song from last episode) was the best thing he did for Nini because he doesn't feel like it now? hmmm this is getting good

why is everyone so invested in Kourtney and Howie's relationship

PACK UP THE LAZY RICKY THING

oh yes Benji, that's exactly what she's doing

she couldn't follow her dream or whatever so now she's using the kids to gain some of the success she craves. why else would she have that massive hsm poster with her name on it in huge letters in her office.

just casually grab his hand with both your hands and stare at him creepily 🥰

ship jennzzara y'all

the first bump was a missed opportunity to do the baymax "falalala" as a reference to the fact that they watched big hero six while committing arson✋

wait so big red and EJ just left Ricky in the basement and now Ricky invited Carlos when they're supposed to be at the stage?

help no Ricky looks like he's about to tell Carlos he likes him (I know it's about writing the song for seb but still, look at his body language and tell me it doesn't look like that)

Ricky is so mature about this, he really just wants Nini to be happy even though he's hurting-

baby you deserve love, maybe Nini isn't the one for you but don't say you don't deserve it

why does he keep adding bro to the end like he doesn't know how to address Carlos

PLEASE CARLOS HAVING TO ADDRESS THE BRO THING

"let's write a song when we have like 45 minutes to get to the place and help our friends possibly win $50000 at the show in 2 weeks"

"can you hit a high C?"

"that's like the bottom of my range"

why am I laughing

this is so cool to see friendship interactions that we don't normally get to see

Nini why are you being like this-

Gina did nothing wrong??

I saw that, EJ and Gina being the only ones going in the same direction👀

right so obviously Kourtney's waiting until after the menkies to get back with Howie just in case he really is just using her as a way in to east high... obviously... right?

CARLOS

OK ITS COMING GET READY YALL

Why is portwell so awkward all of a sudden

OMG EJ

OMG GINA SAY YES or not, do what you want.

the way she doubts that EJ would genuinely ask so she has to make sure it's not Ashlyn behind it

OH

THE "NOT THAT I KNOW OF"

LIKE WHAT GINA SAID TO JACK ABOUT EJ BEING HER BOYFRIEND

GUYS THEY'RE SOULMATES

I want risotto now please

THEY'RE SO SWEET AND ADORABLY AWKWARD ITS LIKEEK LITTLE KIDS

OOOOOOO what is this place that seblos is in, looks fancy....and secluded

oh wait no Ricky's just standing there

wait is it the bomb shelter

it looks so good what

HSKAGSJAGAJAGWISGSKAUASBWKSVAIWBAISBQKSHIQBWOABWOABDOQBZIQBAIAQBSIWBQISVQKSIANSGOQBSAISBKASBKWBAIABQOSBBSJAHAJAVAJSBAJHSKAHSJAHAJAJAAJAHHHHHHHH

@youranxiousnerd ARE YOU OK?

CUZ IM NOT OK

LOOK AT SEBBY'S FACE

LOOK AT HOW ADORABLE IT IS

THE LYRICS ARE KILLING ME

SEBLOS IS KILLING ME

I AM DEAD

PLEASE SEND HELP

I like to imagine that Frankie and Joe practiced this in their apartment and just had a blast with it.

or maybe that Frankie practiced in secret like what Joe did for the climb

OH THE SUITS

THATS WHERE THAT CLIP IN THE PROMO WAS FROM

AWWW SEBBY'S SO CUTE

HE'S A LITTLE MARSHMALLOW

they're still so awkward with the dance I cant

let's appreciate Frankie's voice though

this episode really was made just for the seblos and portwell stans and you gotta love it

BIG RED GET OUT

WHY DOES HE ALWAYS DO THIS

Seb's little "yeah" IS ADORABLE

you can't tell me that wouldn't have been the best time for them to say I love you....IF FREAKIN BIG RED WASN'T THERE

ok but wait Ricky needs more hugs like that, look at his face

the boy needs love

"bro" please don't let Ricky and Carlos go back to not talking because their friendship is amazing

EJ laughing at Ricky sounding like a cat coughing up a furball is so funny to me

RICKY'S FLOP GETS ME EVERYTIME

I knew it was too good to be true

ok so Ricky's dead, next in line please

this episode was so short but I love it so much. this is what I signed up for for season 2✋

[tai-ler]

Thoughts and preferences on real fur VS faux fur?

Do you mean plastic? It is not in my repertoire, darling!!

However fur-like fabrics (such as the fabulous truffula fluff) are completely allowable~

[sincerelyaminee]

FALL 2020 FASHION TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR

School is soon nearing, and with that in mind, that means the pathetic three months that we’ve called summer is no more (thanks corona).

So, say goodbye to the bright colors, crop tops, and shorts. And say hello to the good ol’ sweatshirt season!

Despite summer 2020 being an absolute shit show, the season left us with a couple of trends that will either transcend into the new season or die the minute the leaves change colors. With that in mind, I have curated a list of trends that I believe will be prevalent in the upcoming fall season. 

BETTER LATE THAN LEATHER 

Dive into the matrix and make the life-changing decision between the red pill vs the blue pill. Or in the words of fashion, faux leather vs real. 

I’ll give you a hint, the answer is faux leather and it will always be faux leather (are you proud PETA?). Oversized leather jackets and pants have already made their way into the mainstream appeal, however, I see it evolving even more to leather tops, skirts, boots, and yes, trench coats. Think of Trinity and Neo from The Matrix mixed with current 2020 trends. 

TO DYE FOR

Oh, you thought the tie-dye trend was going to end soon? Think again. 

Yes, the bright color tie-dye sets that we’ve seen taken over social media, has long overstayed its due. However, the practice of tie-dye will simply ditch the bright neon colors and turn over to more neutral colors like brown and creme. This includes the practice of bleaching dark clothes to create the fun psychedelic tie-dye pattern. Think of It as your annoying younger sibling finally maturing to be a likable person. 

STITCH ME UP

The trend of contrast stitching and patchwork has made a rise in the early 2020s. Fashion designers have experimented with the idea of attaching different fabrics and colors to each other to create a piece of garment to wear. Designers like @ JJVINTAGE and @ MYAEMADE on Instagram are just a handful of those who have brought the trend to light. 

I can definitely see this trend in the upcoming fall months with warmer and neutral colors experimented with. 

GO-GO GO WHO’S NEXT? 

70s fashion has definitely made a comeback in recent years. The trend comes and goes, but in the next fall, months go go boots are coming back kicking in an array of styles, and not just the classic white look. 

I’m talking mid-thigh boots, mini boots, brown leather, black leather you name it. 

PRETTY KNIT!

With the cold weather creeping in, in the coming months. Comfortable knits are going to be all the rage this year. From oversized cardigans to stylish sets, comfortability is going to be a main priority this year. Especially when the majority of the population will be spending their time home.

WELCOME TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Animal prints have recently came back into the mainstream starting last year in 2019. To be more specific zebra, cheetah, tiger, and snake patterns will be the most prominent patterns in fall 2020. 

It’s going to come in faux fur, leather, mesh, literally anything. I feel like animal prints will be the go-to “going out” statement that others will gravitate towards to IF corona didn’t exist. 

VERY MESHY PRINTS

Early 2000s fashion has made its way back into the mainstream in 2019. One example would be mesh printed tops and dresses that have caught the eye of consumers this year. A mesh printed garment would make any outfit a statement especially paired with leather and chunky jewelry.

THE PEARL NEXT DOOR

I hope you’ve been practicing clutching your pearls because pearl jewelry has been making their way for some time now. With Vivienne Westwood becoming more mainstream than ever, consumers have been obsessed with her corsets and pearl necklaces. 

They’ll mix a pearl choker with some chunky jewelry to really pull the whole outfit together. 

All in all, this is just predictions at the end of the day. For all we know, the streets could all be wearing bright colors and color blocks and none of my predictions come true. But alas these are my predictions of the fashion trends that could happen in the upcoming fall season.

Sincerely,

Aminee

[borom1r]

i'm srry you're having a day too,, kass asks though; i wld like to hear any fun facts you have abt him that just make you happy? or also: if i remember correctly (i can't find th photo rn), he protects kids from bad dreams, right? i wld love to hear a bit more on how that works bc it's very sweet + a trope i'm very fond of!!

aaa Kass.. hes definitely less developed in my head than Adz is but i still love him

anyways funfacts!!

- i def mentioned this in his ref but he smells like banana popsicles! (specifically popsicles vs generic banana smell bc of a few intense childhood memories hehe;;)

- he does! wear clothes! m actually thinkin of commissioning an outfit sheet of him from an artist on twitter — here are a few good examples of his fashion

- he collects LPS animals! his favorites are a little hamster that eats an almond when u push its head down + a 2-pack of kittens in a cardboard box

- he rlly is a werewolf in that under certain conditions he can transform into his “real” form. otherwise he’s just a Marketable Plushie ~

- not only does his stomach glow when u press it, but he has a “heartbeat” — think the kind you can get in build a bears. when u hug him, u can feel it beat

- he LOVES music!!! anything upbeat he can dance to (he is very bad at dancing) (that will not stop him ^w^) Roll With Me by The Orion Experience is a gr8 example of his music taste!! (he’d also rlly like Nelward! esp fizzPOP + Hopscotch)

- it’s on his ref sheet too but Kass uses neopronouns! he uses he/him/his for convenience + bc he does identify as a boy in general, but he also uses wer/were/weres and 🐺/🐺s, so like: “that’s weres sweater, wer leaves it here all the time” “🐺 uses emoji neopronouns because they make 🐺 smile”

- he’s made of fake fur, cuddle minky, a soft flannel (his patterned paw pads), faux leather (claws, teeth, nose) + a sort of soft rubbery plastic for the glowing stomach — the main fabric is th cuddle minky; he’s made of an embossed minky w lil dimples, like this!

+ fr the last part of yr question, yea he does!! hes always “found,” in a garage sale where no one remembers him + the boy gets him for free, in the lost and found when a girl comes to look for her hat and, well, he’s in the lost and found for a reason isn’t he? couldn’t hurt if she took him home. he stays until his current owner outgrows him naturally, whether it’s a couple of weeks bc a newer, better stuffed animal came along or years and years and years— but when they forget about him, he’ll wander off n let a new kid find him.

as far as th dream thing works, well, he’s a werewolf! nothin scarier than that! it works on a sort of Lions, Tigers and Bears logic— nightmares are real creatures, and when a person is sleeping their plushies come alive and fight them off! adults are naturally less susceptible than kids, but it works the same! Kass has definitely come out w/ a couple of battle scars that usually get lovingly patched up (a mysteriously split seam, an ear coming off, etc) and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. his knee was from a really nasty fight, a kid who was going thru a very difficult patch nd therefore was kind of a beacon for bigger and badder nightmares. to th kid’s delight (and Kass’s surprise), when the hole in his knee was discovered, th mom was able to track down the same fabric as his paw pads online to make a patch for him! Kass wears that lil blue heart with pride!

[sbowinenst1000]

The Impossibility of Living Sustainably

Samantha Bowin

Sustainability is an incredibly important piece of how our future generations will live. If we fail to learn to live sustainably, we will inevitably fail to live at all. Our planet is dying, whether we like it or not, and if we do not take drastic measures to change that, life on Earth will cease to exist. 

There are many factors that we as humans have contributed to the downfall of the planet, one being our clothing production. There are many clothing items that have been created in order to benefit humans, such as fur coats. They were originally the result of biomimicry, the act of mimicking plant or animal adaptations in a man-made fashion to benefit humans (Miller, Spoolman, Living in the Environment, 2), as they provided us with the protection and warmth that the fur of an animal would, however, they caused more problems than they solved. Not only is the concept of skinning animals such as foxes, chinchillas, rabbits, minks, and raccoons terrible in and of itself, but the alternative seems to cause an equal number of problems. According to an article in The Overtake,“Fake fur is mostly made from nylon and polyester, which are the main culprits for shedding microfibers” (Schneider, Fur vs Faux).These materials then pollute air and water sources. That isn’t the only problem of the clothing industry. Producing clothes requires massive quantities of water. One pair of jeans and one t-shirt needs 20,000 liters of water in order to be made (Oxfam Blog). This is a prime example of living unsustainably with overconsumption. As a people, we need to learn to recycle clothing far more often, either by shopping at secondhand stores or learning to create clothing using scraps of recycled material. 

While I try my best to incorporate small changes into my daily routine in order to reduce my ecological footprint, it is not enough. According to the Ecological Footprint Calculator, my personal earth overshoot day is May 8th, over 2 months earlier than the 2021’s overshoot day of July 29th. If everyone lived like me, we would need 2.8 Earths worth of resources to survive. While that is still a smaller number of Earths needed than the average US citizen, it is more than 1, which we did not take enough care of to begin with. The best thing a person can do individually is become entirely and strictly vegan, meaning no products, food or clothing that is made with any sort of animal production. However, even if every person in America switched to being completely vegan, it would not be enough to reverse the damage that we have done to our planet. The main solution to beginning to fix our damage lies in the hands of the larger corporations that are responsible for the excessive release of carbon emissions. One group that contributes to overloading renewable resources to an extreme is the commercial fishing industry. 

Biodiversity is absolutely crucial for our planet to survive. Especially regarding our oceans, which without, we would cease to exist. A recent documentary, Seaspiracy, captures the current problems with the commercial fishing industry. As someone who grew up with an extreme appreciation for the ocean, this is a seriously pressing issue to me. The commercial fishing industry is not only responsible for severe overfishing, but also 40% of the plastic waste in oceans. Overfishing, as well as damaging fishing methods such as trawling, severely impact the ocean’s biodiversity, causing environments to become weak and unstable and resulting in ecosystems beginning to fail. As these ecosystems die off, the less our ocean has to offer. It will eventually no longer be a carbon sink, a natural resource that we desperately need in order to maintain clean air. The examples of over-consumption regarding the ocean are endless, especially when it comes to global warming. The global temperature rise due to greenhouse gas emissions causing both seas to level rise and ocean acidification. As ocean acidification continues to worsen, the more coral species will die, leading to further degradation of biodiversity. All of these components working together will destroy our oceans much quicker than expected, especially if we continue to not change our living styles. 

The planet's fate is entirely in our hands, especially the hands of the youth. As young activists like Greta Thunberg continue to step forward and fight to make a difference, we will continue to see a change in mindsets and learn to understand how we can fight the large companies who are responsible for environmental degradation. We will be the change of Earth, and hopefully make the difference that the generations before us couldn’t, changing the living standards for ourselves, nature, and the generations to follow. 

Word Count: 787

Bibliography:

Spoolman and Miller, Tyler and Scott. Living in the Environment. Printed in the United States of America, 2019.

Schneider, Désiree. “Fur vs Faux.” April 1st, 2019. https://theovertake.com/~beta/real-or-faux/.

Tabrizi, Ali, director. Seaspiracy. A.U.M. Films; Disrupt Studios, Netflix, 2021. 1 Hour 29 Minutes. https://www.seaspiracy.org/.

Oxfam. “Are your jeans drinking up the world’s water?” Accessed September 10, 2021. https://oxfamapps.org.uk/shop-blog/sustainable-fashion/post-about-sustainable-fashion/.

[eufilo]

𝒹𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒𝓉 𝓈𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒶 𝒷𝑜𝓁𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒶 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒻𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀

INSIDE FILOMENA COELHO’S WARDROBE

pinterest section.

› 01. what’s your muse’s favorite piece of clothing in their wardrobe?

this is going to be so basic of her, but she really doesn’t give a fuck-- literally her adidas sneakers have been through it all. as much as she loves heels, and boots, and tight dresses, and (faux) fur coats, she will always, always come back to these shoes. and when she wears them out from literally wearing them to every party, she just buys a new pair. 

› 02. what are your muse’s favorite colors to wear?

every color-- but she loves bright colors in particular-- green, teal, pink, red. anything to make her stand out-- also a sucker for patterns (and animal print). 

› 03. do they prefer summer clothing or winter clothing?

she likes summer because less clothes necessary, but she’ll rock the fuck out of a winter look. very much has a grasp about layering, and looks great in hats. 

› 04. how has their wardrobe evolved over the years?

it’s become organized chaos, and has expanded greatly.  she’s definitely pushed herself to try different forms of fashion, one day it will bejeweled party girl and the next it will be boho chic and then the day after she’ll wear simply an oversized t-shirt cinched at the waist. some days she’s pushed herself into more androgynous fashion but her clothes are usually mostly feminine. she wants to try more, though! 

› 05. do they have any style icons or anything else they’re inspired by?

literally SO many things-- she’s read a lot magazines and consumed a lot of pop culture! but i’d say her main influences are 90s/2000s style? will occasionally veer off into disco/70s territory! but loves the style of 90s/00s musicians like lil kim and christina aguilera! 

› 06. do they like to accessorize? if so, what do they usually wear?

YES, and she doesn’t hesitate flaunting her wealth! lots of precious jewels, real gold, etc. lots of rings and earrings (she has multiple holes in each ear) a nose ring/stud she changes so often! also absolutely loves hats and wears a lot of them!

› 07. where do they usually shop? specific stores, a specific kind of store (ie. thrift store vs designer), or do they make their own? 

everywhere and nowhere! loves designer clothes but knows that it’s a mess and doesn’t really thrift but she and her friends swap clothes a lot! and she makes a lot of her own clothes! 

[albertserra]

Also environmentally fur coats honestly are better than faux... Real fur not only lasts longer but it will eventually biodegrade vs faux fur which is essentially plastic and awful for fish when you wash it. I know people don't want to harm animals but the majority of "vegan" clothing is just glorified plastic :/

I’m learning so much today.... I love it. But that’s a good point abt faux fur just essentially being tiny plastic fibers which would run off into the water when u wash it 🥴

[lanamemories2]

rides onto the dash nude n on horseback like this pic of sam way. oh fancy seeing u here.......... im impeccably tensed our entire exchange. buns like steel cld crack a nut open between them. i’m nai n it’s so nice to meet u all!!!! i’m one of the admins here (josefine frida pettersen on the main) n i’m so Excited 2 get things going........... some facts abt me r i sometimes hv a witch’s cackle, i once drunkenly swung frm a tree branch pretending to b tarzan n fell n grass stained my fav jeans at 4 in the morning n i lov spicy food despite the fact it mkes me sweat like a hog in the sun. more abt lana under the cut!!! also like this or hmu if u wna plot n her pinterest is here n playlist is here 👺🌚

「kristine froseth & cis-female」⇾ jameson , lana, the junior radcliffe student’s records show that she is a gemini and 22 years old. she is studying dance, living in off campus and can be vivacious, passionate, childish & impulsive. when i see her i am reminded of stepping out in the cold wearing just a red slip, lipstick on a stranger’s throat, a bumper sticker on the back of a convertible cadillac that says ‘SCRAPPY DOO IS A FILTHY SLUT’. ⇽「nai & 23 & gmt & she/her.」

AESTHETICS:

scalding your fingers in shower water until they glow like rudolph’s nose, cherry red gym socks tugged high and nothing else, stepping out in the cold wearing just a red slip, an origami swan made from an old receipt, tickling a stranger’s chin with the end of a feather boa, crowning each finger with a miniature raspberry, hugging a knee close to lick a stripe of fruit juice off a bruise there, doodling penises in the condensation of a car window, a water pistol topped with rum and covered in glittery pin-up stickers, believable smiles that feel more like baring teeth, a bumper sticker on the back of a convertible cadillac that says ‘SCRAPPY DOO IS A FILTHY SLUT’, prancing around in your underwear to a vinyl record with the curtains open.

HISTORY:

lana grew up in a big house in albany, NY. albums framed on the walls. mayb some rolling stone covers too frm way bk when of the bands her dad’s label signed. kind of like… a rock star palace w no evidence of children at all. i think i summarised it best in one of lana’s self paras once when i said the garden ws “as big as it was unloved”, not that u wld know from all of the gardener’s pruning

lana’s mum victoria (vic) ws a music journalist w a pretty fruitful career ahead of her when she met lana’s dad richard (rich). his record label ws jst starting out, founded on the coattails of his rich best friend’s (jensen peters) investment w his other best friend (who he jst calls knoxville). it rocketed to success when they signed poppy injects, a rock band w an electric stage presence, n victoria ws drawn to the glitz n glamour of a man tht ws at the helm of his aspiring industry. their love ws very impulsive, all or nothing right frm the start, n it ws almost like she ws mre in love w his accomplishments n what he represented than him

anyway so jameson records repped a few big rock bands bk in the eighties, altho poppy injects r who they’re mostly known fr, namely bc of hw brightly they crashed n burned. (drugs/addiction tw) they were a big chart success bt the lead singer hd quite an intense struggle w heroin (wsnt rly subtle abt it either while he ws in the public eye as u cn probably imagine frm such an on-the-nose band name) n he ws always in n out of the papers. it eventually brought down his career n it ws a big publicity nightmare

lana pretty much… grew up around figures like this throughout childhood. rly troubled characters who wld kind of… b extremely volatile n destructive abt their troubles. the jameson house was kind of an open one as welcoming clients went n a lot of parties took place there. a lot of the time musicians wld b snorting lines in the kitchen when she wnted to grab a bowl of cereal fr breakfast. very strange environment fr a child to grow up in

her parents always kind of jst… didn’t like her much. her older brother caleb ws unplanned bt they sort of welcomed the surprise more bt… quickly realised they weren’t cut out fr parenthood n then when lana came as another surprise 3 yrs later they didn’t even try to hide their resentment abt the situation. her mum ws actually booked in to have an abortion bt cldnt go through with it at the last minute. once when lana asked her why shes so cold towards her she jst turned her head frm her dresser, looked at her, told her abt this n said “idk why i didn’t go”. lana didn’t kno wht to say to tht so she jst left her room n closed the door

(dissociation/delusion tw) bc of this growing up lana adopted this weird like…. she didn’t rly kno what it ws bt it ws a delusion of sorts where she thought she ws a ghost. she’d jst sort of… drift around the halls w noone acknowledging her n sometimes she ws jst convinced she wsnt actually there or they cldnt see her n she ws jst haunting the house frm a previous family

the one saving grace tho tht sort of?? gt her thru this n made her feel Seen ws caleb. lana quite genuinely hs always thought the sun shines out of her older brothers ass like she jst thinks. hes the best person in the entire world. wld b rly bewildered if anyone questioned tht. he wld always look out for her in the zoo they called a home n cut the crusts off her PBJs so they lkd like teddy bears (he’d cook fr them most of the time bc their parents were too busy/didn’t care to) n sometimes wld even sleep at the bottom of her bed curled up like a guard dog. it ws always lana n caleb n his best friend tommy against the world in tht house (tommy lived next door n was always over bc he had very strict parents / a military father tht he found suffocating)

SO when caleb n tommy announced tht they’d signed up to the army lana ws understandably…….. blindsided. she ws rly upset tht they were leaving like pretty besides herself bt she tried not to b mad at them n made them promise theyd b safe n back as soon as possible. she even asked if they cld somehow take her w them n they were jst like :/ it doesn’t work that way luv x

(death tw, ptsd tw, grief tw, trauma tw, hospitalisation tw, drugs tw) anyway caleb ended up getting discharged under grounds of severe ptsd when he witnessed tommy die in an explosion tht took place in a shock raid. caleb returned home sans tommy bt he was never the same after tht. he’s been in n out of hospital n he turned to using as a way to cope so it’s been a rly bumpy road since. lana kind of felt like two of her brothers died out there in a way n jst like tht it wasn’t them vs the world any mre, it was jst her

ANYWAY whew tht rly…. took a dark turn there….. chuckles nervously at hw sad lana’s life is bt it’s fine it’s all fINE!!!!!!! ok. so on a mre lighthearted note the jameson family r pretty well off n bc of her relation to such a big music industry figure she’s hung out w a fair few relatively high rep ppl thru her teens. mostly kids of celebrities n stuff like tht. she amassed kind of an instagram following mainly fr her style (penny lane-esque in some aspects aka lots of fur cuff trimmed jackets bt then also jst…. a wild combination of everything honestly. pastel faux fur coats, seventies style platforms, flame red cowboy boots, pink fishnet tights n glitter used like highlight Everywhere) n bc she’s undeniably Pretty Gorl

(trauma tw) after caleb got back he was rly withdrawn n depressed. he shut lana out n was kind of harsh to her a lot of the time, always telling her to leave him alone or pushing her away. it didnt help either tht lana had a rly traumatic experience w some of her dad’s colleagues at the label when she ws 16 n he was away n she cldnt even tell him abt it once he was bk bc of his own traumas. she kind of jst shut it all in n kept it to herself

(hypersexuality tw) this obviously?? made her spiral a lot. she was already a girl tht loved sex but since her trauma it got…. completely out of hand. it got to a point where she couldnt rly go 2 days without it, probably not even 1. her lowest point has probably been scrolling thru craiglist for anonymous encounters n meeting up w strangers on there fr hookups even tho it’s insanely dangerous n she cld wind up getting herself killed. the risk is honestly part of the appeal to her sometimes she’s :////// quite self destructive n jst likes a thrill to mke her feel Alive. it’s v clear at this point tht she has a sex addiction whether she’s ever admitted it or not. it kind of… almost mingled w tht same feeling she used to get when she ws younger of being a ghost?? like she jst. only rly feels Real when she’s being touched

(violence tw) she’s had.................... SCH a bad history dating wise. she almost always dates fking.... actual beasts like i jst wna gently shake her by the shoulders sometimes bt :////////////// one of her recent exes is in prison aftr he beat up someone she’d slept w in front of her like she jst. has had a very Not Sexy time w romance...... she hd to b a witness in the trial abt it n he ws found guilty n sent down so it ws like Intense n a gd example of the kinds of disastrous relationships she gets herself into. perks of being a wallflower voice: We Accept The Love We Think We Deserve.

this past summer she gt a job at a burlesque club in downtown lovell!!! it honestly is her dream job like. dancing? being sexy? fav hobbies................. most delicious pastimes... 10/10 ideal fr her............... she almost started working at a coyote ugly bar bt this one won her over. she usually jets off to some foreign country n has a rly exotic n action packed summer bt i think she wldv just been working local there fr this one to b close to her brother (the rehab he’s at is close like a 40 min drive so!). she’s also moved into a big lofty apartment w 3 roommates tht’s above a chinese take out w lots of lanterns hung outside. the street? scott street......................... tribute to mizz phoebe bridgers hunger games salutes to the sky so it travels 2 her............. she gt a red heart shaped bath tub installed which hs always been her dream so honestly the summer hs been pretty gd to her....... five stars on yelp she deserves Some happiness once in a while

PERSONALITY:

always smells vaguely of wild cherries or strawberry starburst or jst the candy aisle in general. if she ws a vinyl record she’d b this one n she’d only play good vibrations by the beach boys, dancing on my own by robyn, play that funky music by wild cherry, femme fatale by the velvet underground n (i can’t get no) satisfaction by the rolling stones

growing up lana was always a HUGE social butterfly. knew everyone n everyone knew her. she ws one of those girls tht ws kind of impossible to ignore or forget (cld b a gd or bad thing depends on ur Stance...... she can be a lot tho frankly). very animated, always made u feel like u were the centre of the universe whenever she spoke to u, always made it feel like u were best friends even if ud only spoken to her once.

deliberately puts on tht kind of Magnetic Alluring act tht femme fatales wear in movies sometimes. kind of…. is always playing A Role of the person tht she wants to b seen as or the person she feels ppl want her to be. chameleons to situations. feels like she’s performed as the vivacious n fun loving Lana Jameson fr so long tht she doesn’t rly kno who she is beneath tht bt she isn’t too keen to find out

always the last one awake at the party. jst doesn’t seem to hv.... an off switch. every1 else cld b passed out at 6am n she’d still b swaying around to sunday morning by the velvet underground in her underwear drinking frm a bottle of merlot

she’s always been rly spontaneous n adventurous. always doing something weird n wild every weekend. she has ten thousand ridiculously absurd n chaotic stories

uncontrollably flirty. she’s tht tumblr post tht’s like flirting will b ur hubris n the reply is like kind of sexy of u to say so................ SO confident cld talk to anyone. makes a joke out of anything. tends to laugh when she feels like crying. even if she DOES cry she’ll smile thru it like it isn’t happening she jst.... doesn’t like to b negative ever if she cn help it

she’s amassed a weird collection of like... Things various ppl she’s known hv made abt her. this guy she ws friends w wrote a song abt her n performed it at a gig she went to without telling her in advance. it ws rly dramatic he sang it n looked at her the whole time n she ws jst a bit like.... omg.... lmfao............... she’s also hd various paintings done of her. i honestly dnt even rly kno hw it happens she jst has a personality where she..... leaves an impression like a lipstick print on a white shirt w some ppl.................. she’s like tht tumblr post where someone arrives at a poetry reading n is like hi yes........ where do the muses sit? except she isn’t rly.... obnoxious abt it she jst shrugs n is like.......... oh that........... KJHSFKHGSFKGHSFKGSFHGK. it’s a charmed life fr some

always dapples her fingers thru the breeze when she’s driving in a car w the window down. she almost always has some sort of sweet on her, whether it’s sour haribo cherries or strawberry lollipops.

PLOTS:

exes tht lana’s fucked over hideously. she’d probably cheat a lot and it’d be a whole…mess. whips her in the town square like gale

mayb someone tht flipped the switch and cheated on her??? chaos. anguish. strife. 

someone tht works at the burlesque club in downtown lovell w her!!!!! as like a bartender or another dancer or security or................... whtvr honestly. hvn’t worked out a name fr the club yet bt i think it cld b a fun setting to write stuff in n there cld b lots to build off there!!

a cousin plot cld b fun too

her n freya nilsen run smthn called Dick Sisters Inc......... they hv a twitter fr it n everything.... n a hq based in one of the abandoned dorms in the leach building.... lots of inflatable furniture disco balls.............. lana even gt replica airplane seats so they cn sit n b served drinks by this guy tht runs errands fr them who they call bucket....... they bsically like. set ppl up n help ppl get laid it’s a matchmaking service of sorts.......... started as a joke bt nw it’s genuinely become quite a profitable business w word spreading all over campus........ ugh entrepreneurial icons... anyway mayb ur chara cld come to lana fr Dick Sisters assistance......... mayb they’v come to them in the past......... 

a friend tht lana fel out w bc she slept w their significant other.

someone tht’s getting lana into drugs?? she’s kind of impressionable/down for anything so tht’s a likely scenario she’d get into tbh

briefly did camgirl stuff on an independent bt up n coming porn site....... titters.......... mayb ur muse used a pseudonym n recognises lana frm it bt is too embarrassed to admit they were subscribed............ mayb they happened upon her on there once n nw r jst like. what do i do w this knowledge. idk cld b fun to work around perhaps

an unrequited crush!! (either way is cool)

someone tht is just hanging out w her/using her bc she has a lot of instagram followers or they want to b signed to her dad’s label

someone in a band!! she’d probably make like penny lane n b their groupie/sleep w them all i won’t lie to u. relentless.....

umm a good influence too mayb?

honestly?? anything is fine i cld ramble for days. mayb even one of the high profile kids she grew up hangin w idk. world’s our oyster fellas!

[flagellant]

i’m honestly really impressed with Rousteing’s creative design lately for Balmain, the pre-fall collection doesn’t have a single piece i don’t love and it’s really amazing that not only is he an incredibly potent and powerful designer for a maison but he’s openly and explicitly advocating for faux fur in haute couture. while i personally support real fur so long as it’s sustainable and as cruelty-free as possible, we’re at a point of consumerism where you have to choose the active cruelty of animals for ‘real’ fur as a luxury resource versus the accessibility of high fashion removing one of the barriers of appreciation by implementing faux fur, which has its own hosts of problems (plastic microparticle pollutants)

regardless of the fact that modern day consumerist culture means that fashion and clothing will, in current standing, never truly be sustainable because there will always be the balance of mass-production real fur vs mass production plastic faux, this i think is a step towards as a whole towards a more positive runway

[dippedanddripped]

At the AW20 menswear shows, Raf Simons wrapped his models up in slogan-adorned faux fur muffs, buttoned up stoles, and broad-shouldered coats; Dries Van Noten went for fake foxes draped around shoulders; and Vetements’ first show without Demna featured vintage-inspired faux fur ankle length coats, refreshed in electric blue and parakeet green.

The ranks of brands going fur-free are growing. Gucci, Coach, Versace, DKNY, Burberry, Margiela, and Prada have all pledged to ditch fur in recent years. Even Fendi, a renowned furrier, has begun to debut faux fur looks on the runway alongside the real thing. Compounding brands’ individual decisions, the British Fashion Council encouraged labels showing as part of London Fashion Week to go fur-free in 2018. Meanwhile, just yesterday, Peta announced the end of its naked celebrity-featuring anti-fur campaigns, given use of the material is dwindling among designers.

The big fur shun isn’t just contained to the fashion industry. In 2018, Oldham council banned the sale of fur on its markets and in 2019, Islington became the first London council to do the same. From 2023, the manufacture and sale of fur will be prohibited in California, as it becomes the first US state to do so. Cities such as LA, San Francisco and West Hollywood have done the same and in 2018, the Labour party vowed to ban fur imports to the UK – but sadly, we all know how that story ends.

For many, this about-turn from fur is a positive sign, a win for animals, but for others, concern surrounding the environmental implications of turning to polyester and acrylic alternatives is growing. Made in an automated process, faux fur is created using synthetic fibres which are mostly petroleum-based.

The use of plastic in a world already drowning in it is a major concern, with many anxious about faux fur coats languishing in landfill, refusing to degrade for hundreds or thousands of years (of course, one solution to that could be just: don’t throw your coats in the bin). Another major side effect of our global obsession with plastic is microfibres. 83 per cent of tap water samples taken from around the world were found to be contaminated with plastic in 2017, and in 2018 another study found 10 plastic particles per litre in bottled water too. It’s not just us ingesting plastic, though: fish and marine life do too, with an estimated 1.4 trillion microfibres floating in our oceans right now.

The fur industry in particular has taken the plastic argument and run with it, positioning faux fur as a plastic scourge on the environment and real fur as the only real natural and sustainable option. Mark Oaten, former LibDem MP (the party responsible for the ban in Oldham, incidentally) and now CEO of the International Fur Federation (IFF), voiced his concerns in an interview with WWD. “There is a lot of talk about fake fur these days,” he said, “for me it makes no sense to use a product full of chemicals and plastics when you can have a natural and biodegradable fashion item like real fur.”

“It makes no sense to use a product full of chemicals and plastics when you can have a natural and biodegradable fashion item like real fur” – Mark Oaten, CEO of the International Fur Federation

Backing up Oaten’s public stance, IFF launched a global campaign in 2018 to “highlight the colossal environmental damage caused by plastic based fake fur”, and there are some studies to support them. One 2012 report, commissioned by the International Fur Trade Federation, suggested that faux fur coats consume more non-renewable energy, have greater risk of potential impacts of global warming and greater risk of ecotoxicity impacts. Another, sponsored by Fur Europe, found that real fur biodegrades faster than faux fur. However, much like a study sponsored by Philip Morris that says smoking is good for you, they should be read with the underlying bias in mind.

In their list of fake fur’s ‘deadly credentials’, IFF pointed out that “fake fur is produced in factories from chemicals derived from fossils fuels”. What they fail to mention, though, are the many chemicals used during the processing of real fur, which include formic, hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, ammonia, formaldehyde and lead acetate, all of which are, or can be, toxic.

Unsurprisingly, given the high stakes of the real versus faux debate, for every pro-fur study, there’s an anti-fur one to match, pointing out everything from the unsustainable amount of feed it takes to produce 1kg of mink fur (aka 11 minks), to how the industry adds almost 1,000 tons of phosphorus to the environment each year.

But just as the fur industry bankrolls pro-fur studies, the ones that highlight the negatives are often sponsored by animal welfare organisations, leaving people with the feeling that they don’t know who to trust, unable to navigate the best way forward. Consumer organisations in countries such as Denmark, France, the Netherlands and England, however, have tended to lean against the claims made by the fur industry, their argument being that there simply isn’t enough empirical data to support them.

What’s lost in the who’s-more-eco debate, though, are the animals themselves. It’s their welfare, more than environmental concerns, which is often the reason for people boycotting real fur. So should those who will simply never wear it ask why they’re so worried about the synthetic alternative all of a sudden? Especially when they likely have a wardrobe full of synthetics in the form of leggings, underwear, t-shirts, dresses and most other garments you’d pick up in any high street shop.

“Currently the most bio-based faux fur on the market (KOBA) is made with only 37 per cent bio materials, then the remainder is either recycled polyester or just polyester” – Kim Canter, CEO of cult faux fur label House of Fluff

“Of course we are aware of the environmental impact of faux fur, even though we are always surprised to see the intensity of the debate when it comes to faux fur, as we are a small niche, with less impact than animal-based materials,” says Arnaud Brunois, communications manager for EcoPel, a French company which has created KOBA, the first bio-based faux fur. “The defamation campaign created by the fur lobby surely has created a very toxic conversation, as all fibres have their own issues and faux fur has never claimed some sort of perfection,” he continues. (EcoPel has also released a report on faux versus real, showing faux winning out against real on the environmental impact index).

Kym Canter, CEO of House of Fluff, a cult faux fur brand launched in 2017 that has been seen on the covers of Elle and InStyle and worn by Drew Barrymore, Sarah Harris and Oprah, agrees. “Changing the conversation and moving it away from animal welfare, which they can never win, and rebranding themselves as a natural fur alternative was an incredibly smart move,” says Canter, who previously worked as creative director for a fur brand before having a change of heart.

The likes of EcoPel and House of Fluff don’t deny their use of plastics but innovation is happening to move towards more sustainable alternatives. “This year we launched a faux fur made from 100 per cent recycled post-consumer plastic. So it’s made from old straws and bottles that are melted down, turned into a thread and rewoven,” says Canter. The brand also uses Tencel, a cellulose fibre, for lining, and recycles their factory offcuts into plush ‘Scrappies’.

Like EcoPel, Canter is currently working on a bio-based fur made from all natural materials in order to be even more sustainable. “Currently the most bio-based faux fur on the market (KOBA) is only made with 37 per cent bio materials,” she says, “and then the remainder is from either recycled polyester or just polyester. And so, we’re just trying to get a lot better on that bio-based number and hopefully bring it up to 100 per cent.” Canter hopes to bring her bio-fur to market for AW20 but until then, where do vegan, anti-plastic advocates turn?

Vintage fur is great in theory – it already exists, it won’t be using up any more resources, and it’s cheaper. But in reality, many just aren’t prepared to wear it. “I don’t wear fur as it creeps me out,” Clotilde says, while designer Becky said she tried a fur cape that had belonged to her great aunt but “felt icky just touching it”. Vivienne, meanwhile, has concerns about the stigma attached to wearing fur. “I’d worry I’d get abuse!” she says. Her concerns aren’t unfounded.

If you can’t stomach the vintage fur, faux fur as it stands is no worse than most other polyester or acrylic hanging in your wardrobe, and buying it second hand offers a more sustainable approach. But if you’re still feeling plastic-phobic, you might have to place your bets on those bio-fur innovations and hold out for the next gen of faux