Sometime ago now, I inherited a fur coat. Yes, readers, that’s right, a fully fledged, non PC, non faux, caramel coloured, rabbit fur coat. I was terribly grateful at the time and at 19, on a student wage (pocket money from the parentals), I was delighted to be receiving free vintage clothing regardless of where it came from or who/what was hurt in the process.
Now, however, in my wise old age, there is no possible way that I can plead ignorance to the protestors outside Harrods on a Saturday morning (out of my way damn it I just want to get to the Mac counter). Nor can I disregard the infamous Anna Wintour tofu pie scenario. How could we forget? These past events have proven that fur and clothing are two items that struggle to mingle without conflict. I will admit though, that apart from these over publicised moments, my education on this very topical issue is limited. None the less, my opinion is inextricably strengthening.
I can’t pin point the exact moment that I decided the right thing to do was to part with the coat or the reasoning behind it. I guess it came out of nowhere really. I am not an activist of any kind or even an animal lover for that matter (stems from never having a pet), but as a human being who simply values life, I just feel it’s the right thing to do. This may be somewhat hypocritical considering my carnivorous ovo-lacto diet and the fact that I wear leather coats, shoes and bags. Some may say I’ve fallen for popular cultural beliefs or that I’m jumping on some type of anti fur band wagon. I honestly can’t tell you the ‘whys’, but whatever the reason, I figure it has to be a good one right?
For what it’s worth, I’ve never worn the coat in question (for superficial reasons: its too big and boxy) and I have many great (well fitted) fauxs in my wardrobe so it surely wont be missed. Wearing a faux, means I can relax knowing I’m doing my bit for the fauna but those around me will be none the wiser. I mean, lets be honest, a great faux is hard to separate from the real thing. I figure, if I ever have the hankering for the warmth and luxury of an evening fur, I can throw my faux over my LBD for a little glamour minus the conscience.
Without too much reasoning, I’m simply sacrificing my inherited rabbit fur to the fashion gods. At this point I may not be able to give an in-depth analysis as to why (although I feel that my recent visit to Australia Zoo may have something to do with it) and I may not be able to save the precious life that brought me the coat. I cannot make tofu pie statements, douse people in red paint (huge in the 90’s) or even have the time to stand around chanting with a placard. I can, however, part with the coat as my little bit towards this great cause. One small step towards the bigger picture I hope.
Ps. Any ideas about who the fashion gods actually are? Ebay? Maybe not - making money out of one’s guilty conscience?….. There's another whole issue/post in that one.
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34 people have commented:
I can understand why you had to get rid of it. I'm not a fan of fur myself but not so much for the animal rights reasons, it just isn't my cup of tea. You look great though and I love Mac products too hehee.
i know how you feel, i really haven't worked out my feelings towards fur. my gut instinct is to be repelled (and i always find it feels a little creepy and decidedly 'dead' when you're wearing it!) but i don't see how i can say that and still wear leather and eat meat, etc. hmm... that said, you look fantastic in these pictures! but i suppose the same can definitely be achieved with faux fur.
good for you, but you do know you look adorable in this coat?! and have you thought about storage, b/c it is a family item (right?) and perhaps someone later would want it?
I'm sorry, The coat is beautiful and you look beautiful in it. I understand your conundrum, though. I have only my mother's fox boa and stole from years ago. I may wear one or the other to church once in a while. Still, we all must do our little part...
Hope you have a great day tomorrow.
i'd look major in that lapin, except it's unseasonally warm in these parts leaving me no where to sport 'Bugs':(
I'm not sure who the fashion gods would be in this case. It seems like donating the jacket would be a good idea, but it's for you to decide.
I think you look incredibly beautiful in it, but I understand why you're letting it go. I'd let it go, too, if it was mine.
I'm fairly sure the fashion gods are a team of accountants, who get pleasure from screwing with our heads (and bodies) whilst making a shite load of cash.
I wear leather like you, but the idea of wearing fur revolts me, I just can't do it either.
Sweet baby jesus if it fit me (I don't think it will) I'd pay you for it. It's vintage fur!
It has tinges of white!
It's adorable!
LM
x
omg this coat looks so fabulous! you look fantastic in it... but i do see your point. i have a fake fur coat and i love it to death... i would love a fur coat, good thing is i am allergic to fur :) so no dilemma for me.
great post!
kxx
www.fashionistadiary.co.uk
oh btw, i have added you to my blogroll! great blog x
kx
www.fashionistadiary.co.uk
yes i'm sorry he's mine!;) i used to write in both norwegian and english so that everyone could understand my blog, but in the summer i don't have time for that.. but maybe i'll continue writing in english when the autumn arrives. you look stunning btw!
Ah! you look lovely... the movie "la vie en rose" spans from the 30s-60s in the movie.. its seriously amazing and I am oh so jealous you can pull of red lips! I look like a clown. link exchange? your blog name is adorable!
I never loved fur and though I think of the animal rights issue, the true reason is that I don't like at all that "hairy" look on me...
As you wrote I eat meat and wear leather so I can't be hypocrite!
I'm sorry but I love the jacket and I love it on you....the thing is I do like the aesthetics of certain furs and I'm a fence-sitter as I think what organisations like PETA promote sometimes is incorrect and a little farcical.... so therefore, I'll have to shamefully ask you if you are going to sell it?
I know it's not politically correct but I loooooove fur! This coat is perfect :)
And about those fashion gods? They are everywhere! Designers, wearers, commenters, and the collective unconscious!
thanks for visiting my blog. I usually walk away from a bag for a couple of weeks before deciding and that has saved me piles of money. As for fur, I do own furs and you look fabulous in the picture. I figure people eats rabbits so we are just putting everything to use.
I think fur looks great, I understand why people wear it but I do think it is wrong. So I am pulled both ways.
i feel ya...every time i visit a zoo, my thoughts on fur change, but i do adore that feathered clip in your hair...it's beautiful!
I agree with Susie, it looks well-fitting to me!
I don't have fur, but I don't have a problem with the principle, it's the practice which I sometimes find morally repulsive - it's hypocritical to considering how much leather I wear. Leather and fur (modern day, not even vintage) are often obtained in equally 'monstrous' ways. In fact, some vintage fur is actually roadkill!
Either way, you've obviously sat on it for a while so I say pass it on to a new loving owner without guilt!
I'm vegetarian, for spiritual reasons, anti-fur and (quite) anti-leather, (just because I have some itens in leather that came before my "changing" I don't feel hypocrite).
So I can understand these issues.
I think what's worst is the way animals are treated so people can take their skin.
Also think we must be a bit flexible, for instance I think we can't judge real people living in Alasca that hunt a bear for dress and get warm, but on the other hand I think terrible that hunters go there just to get fur for fashion.
So I think we have to perspectivate things.
To be honest you look great with it, but I'm so sure you also look awesome with good faux fur.
I think just you can decide what makes you feel more confortable with yourself.
Thank you darling for your sweet words in my blog.
Love
xoxo
Like others have said, you look great in these pictures. Now I don't like fur, faux or real, as I just can't carry it off! I do however love leather. At least with this fur, it's vintage, so you aren't supporting the fur trade at all by wearing it. Its a vintage piece handed down to you, and so it's special. Even if you don't want to wear it (explaining to angry, anti-fur strangers about it's history would be weird), I think you should keep it, and pass it on to others in your family.
Dont sell the fur it looks great, and you didnt kill anything to get it and we cant be always responsable for other peoples action it is now a piece of clothing to keep you warm and elegant enjoy it someone else will.
I meant bred back there.
Hey Francis,
1) Thanks for stopping by my blog, your comment made my day.
2) That fur looks amazing on you! I am 100% pro fur, but I have to stress my reasons and my rules. I think harming an endangered animal like an Ermine is horrible, because these can quite easily be hunted into extinction. However an animal such as a Fox or a Rabbit, which are introduced pests here in Australia, I have no qualms with. Every year these animals do immeasureable damage to our ecosystems and rural economy: I am all for fur in this regard.
I agree with Lady Melbourne, Susie_bubble and Coco - It's a beautiful piece that looks great on you. Xx
great tee!
Edward and I say, Good For You!
...but rabbit fur is oh so delicious. The feel of it running through your fingertips - exquisute! If you feel you have to part with it, then fair enough, but if you don't want to make money from it I really think you should keep it. The rabbits are dead now, and I'm sure they would want you to enjoy their coats as much as they did! Cx
I gave you one of those Premio Weblog award things darling.
LM
x
Let's exchange links ! Thank u for ur kindness !
See u !
yeh i can uderstand why your going to get rid but i do think its pretty nice and think of if you ever get invited to a ball orsomething like that and you can wear it then hmmmmmm.....
Jumping on band wagons is about as close as I come to physical exercise and sporting activity these days, however I feel I must share this sentiment:
Would the rabbit-fur jacket be justified if it was made of wild Australian rabbits, introduced by our lovely Overlords in Mother England, a irreversible plague decimating native and irreplaceable flora and fauna alike? Better still, can such a statement be made that you're taking one back for the defenseless bilby and bandicoot, who have suffered most at the hands of Bugs, Thumper and Co?
With no natural predators, maybe its time we roll out a new bandwagon to jump on.. Rabbit fur jackets for everyone!
I love it, and I do rather love 'boy in boston's' perspective too. That probably comes from all the bloody rabbits in my backyard that dig everything up, eat my vegetables and terrorize my papilion puppy.
I can see why you don't want to wear it, (although it does look very good on you) But as it wasn't new when you got it you have nothing to do with the animals being killed to make it, to throw it away would be a waste, sell it with a clear conscience.
ooo you lucky girl, to those critics of fur you might excuse yourself of returning to primitive humanity or will soon become an eskimo!!!
but nevertheless it still looks fab. the last issue from Oyster magazine a bi minthly mag did a photoshoot with fur coats and they looked amazing...then towards the end of last month at the Oyster mag ''time travel'' party heaps of the fashion girls had what???? fur coats!!!
thanks for the site from your comment, i thought id come and return the favour!!! which was advantageous everything is so cute
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