SMART FUR

When I just lived in Amsterdam, I used to scour the Waterlooplein and the Noordermarkt weekly in search of the most beautiful second-hand fur coats. Of course, I also feel nauseous at the sight of the terrible ways animals are bred for their soft jackets. But second-hand coats already have a whole life history, and I can give them a new life. I found that to be a very responsible story..
But when I went grocery shopping at the organic market in my new acquisition, I either received accusing looks or was even asked if I was really wearing fur. And no one listened to my second life theory. Fur was fur. Period.

So I donated the fur coat to a friend, and my new quest began: finding the perfect fake fur coat. In the meantime, I have a beautiful Tiger of Sweden and two vintage pieces. The latter reach all the way to the ground and look so real that I still see people looking at me with anger in their eyes. “It’s fake, you know!” I want to shout. But hey, I know it’s fake, and that’s enough. At least, it should be. But it’s not. Conclusion: I’m afraid of being judged by the outside world.

“So I donated the fur coat to a friend, and my NEW QUEST began: finding the perfect fake fur coat.”

In the Netherlands, there are also brands that process fur in a responsible way. For example, Django has a beautiful collection that exclusively uses fur from Furlab (ethically responsible fur: www.furlab.nl)
Still, I wouldn’t quickly borrow these items for a premiere, because you immediately get a screaming crowd before you can tell your story. Last year, a heated discussion arose on Twitter when Arie Boomsma wore a fur collar on television. According to Arie, this brand only worked with ‘well-made fur’. But the reactions to his Twitter post were unmistakable. Organic fur supposedly doesn’t exist and was complete nonsense.

I’m still not sure. Does ethically responsible fur exist? I’ll take a look at Furlab and will update you on what I saw there.
And until then, I seek refuge with all those nice fashion houses that have nice fakes in their collection this fall. My latest object of desire? The black faux fur coat of Acne, good filters for to die for.

So if you think you see me in a fantastic real-looking fur piece; it’s me. But that coat, it’s fake. The fur, that is. I remain a labellover.