PETA Claims Victory in Battle Against Use of Fur in Clothing
pic_the_ups_and_downs_of_burberry_in_todays_fashions_.jpg
by Sarah Clark
Fashion School Review Columnist

July 7, 2006

Send Article to Friend Send to a friend | Printable Version

The Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation recently announced its decision to eliminate fur from its collections. Animal rights organization PETA hailed the move as a victory in its campaign to pressure clothing designers to stop using fur.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been advocating for animal rights since its founding in 1980. The group's unconventional tactics regularly catch headlines: they've doused runways with red paint, run ad campaigns that portray unflattering images of fur-donning Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and exposed questionable practices in factories where fur is produced. A PETA supporter also launched a tofu pie at clothing designer Oscar de la Renta.

Martha Stewart and PETA

Launch Your
Fashion Career
from
The Art Institutes
The Art Institute
While PETA may be viewed as a fringe group to some, they have garnered the support of many celebrities including Pink, Pamela Anderson, and Anna Nicole Smith. Martha Stewart even advocates against the use of fur in a video featured on PETA's web site. "I used to wear real fur, but like many others, I had a change of heart when I learned what actually happens to the animals," said the domestic diva.

Other Anti-fur Clothing Designers

Ralph Lauren is not the first clothing design house to banish fur. Stella McCartney has long been a proponent of fur-free fashion. Calvin Klein has also stated its commitment to not using fur. Though these developments show significant progress in the anti-fur effort, the battle to keep fur out of clothing stores is still far from over. In recent years fur has made a comeback of sorts, what with of-the-moment celebrities like Beyonce and Paris Hilton flaunting fur-trimmed fashions.

Politics and Your Career in Fashion

As a fashion school student or aspirant, you probably didn't think politics would figure very prominently in your career in fashion. Indeed, there may be times over the course of your career in fashion when you need to make a tough decision, one informed by principles more than profits. Of course, one could probably make a business case for not using fur--if enough influential celebrities hop on the PETA bandwagon, fur could become the next big fashion faux pas. If such is the case, your decision to stop using fur could make your career in fashion.

Get others in your fashion school involved in the anti-fur movement. If it's something you're passionate about, consider raising awareness among your fashion school peers about the cruel treatment animals endure to satisfy consumer demand for fur clothing designs.

Sources:

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

Featured Schools
The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.

See more facts about The Art Institutes

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
American InterContinental University

Get the design and business skills you need to succeed. American InterContinental University - Buckhead's mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical work experience they need for success. Whether you're interested in Internati

See more facts about American InterContinental University

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
International Academy of Design and Tech

Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel

See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
Visual College of Art and Design

Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field.
 

See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
Collins College

Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC

See more facts about Collins College

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
Stratford Career Institute

Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

See more facts about Stratford Career Institute

Program Offer: