Fur Flies As Hugo Boss Says No To Animal Skins

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July 7th, 2015
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9:00 AM

Hugo Boss has pledged to cut fur from its collections, starting from Fall 2016. Fur's plushness and heat-keeping properties are much-loved by designers, and its increasing absence is giving rise to superior quality, non-skin alternatives.

Is there a future for fashion without fur? The answer is yes, according to luxury's latest brand expulsion of the animal skin.In conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States and The Fur Free Alliance, Germany's Hugo Boss is the latest fashion brand to go fur-free - as of Fall 2016.In Hugo Boss’ 2014 Sustainability Report, the fashion house said it had been sourcing furs that were byproducts of the food industry in recent seasons. Hugo Boss reiterated its small use of pelts and furs for applications and trimmings on collars, hoods and sleeves. But, from 2016, Boss said that not any fur - be it from raccoon dogs, foxes or rex rabbits - will be used to make its men's, women's and accessories lines.“[Hugo Boss has] decided to adopt a different route and we are therefore giving our sustainable corporate strategy — in this case, animal protection — precedence over the ‘fast’ and ‘simple’ route to success," said Hugo Boss brand and creative director of sportswear, Bernd Keller.  "We are delighted to embrace innovative challenges in relation to the planning and design of a collection.”Anti-fur industry professionals have welcomed the decision, given Hugo Boss' influence in the luxury fashion world, joining the likes of Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.“It’s especially significant because Boss is a luxury brand, and it may have a catalytic effect with other clothing companies appealing to high-end consumers,” said PJ Smith, corporate outreach manager for The Humane Society of the U.S. fur-free campaign.Also in the sustainability report, Hugo Boss said it has identified innovative materials to replace its need for fur - enabling the brand to reduce the use of furs and skins in all its fashion and accessory collections.Wimpheimer Velvets is a New York-based producer of luxury velvets and pile fabrics. And both are popularly used as faux fur alternatives for brands seeking a non-animal fabrics.Wimpheimer furs are used in apparel and furniture lines, and in several colors; ranging from copper to antique cream. Using acetate, cotton, and nylon yarns,  the Persia faux fur is a key fabric for outerwear trim and coat panels.Another manufacturer making fake fur is Avanti. Located in Japan, the Shinjuku-based firm began working with organic cotton in the Nineties, well before organic was a trend like it is now - and many knew the benefits of sustainable practices. Avanti crafts its fake fur in earthy neutrals for a seamless matching to natural fur. Made from cotton and a small portion of polyester, the Supima cream fake fur offers a soft touch feel for the lining of boots and gloves.Both Avanti and Wimpheimer Velvet's faux furs are available for purchase on Le Souk.