Real Fur Flies in Milan — Is It Ok?
At Prada, The Revenant-inspired fur sleeves. Photo: Getty Images
We can kind of blame Leo.
In the same week his fur-seamed trapper in The Revenant won an Oscar, fur has poofed onto the Milan runways—we counted over 100 pieces from the past week’s collections. From MaxMara’s striped fuzzy jackets to Tod’s raccoon charms, the Milan catwalks have become their own kind of petting zoo. (The irony isn’t lost on us, as Leo, aka Captain Planet, probably wouldn’t approve.)
In terms of sheer numbers, Fendi had the most pelts-per-inch, with 26 of their runway pieces made from fur, including Kendall Jenner’s opening overcoat, some candy-colored dusters (also seen at Versace), and two mink bugs available for purchase directly after the show. (They’re $1500. They’re adorable. But they’re not going to keep you warm.)
Anna Dello Russo carries a Fendi ‘baguette’ with mink bug, Photo: Getty Images
Other furry contenders: Cavalli’s Fleetwood Mac collection (can we call it the Stevie Re-Nicks?) boasted 15 fur looks; Phillipp Plein did 9; Prada trimmed most of their outerwear with some furry texture, too.
On the runway, the fur clothes and accessories looked amazing, with the heightened movement, contrast, and shape that can make a major impression… or a much-liked Instagram post. The furs also looked snug, a fact noted by style junkies who just spent New York Fashion Week in snow, hail, and below-freezing winds. But just like bacon, burgers, and leather, fur comes with an inconvenient truth: it’s from animals that used to be alive.
And for nature lovers convinced bunnies (and whales, and human decency) must be saved, there’s also a twist. Often, animal hide is more sustainable than “vegan” fabrics, which are made with synthetic (and sometimes toxic) chemical compounds. It’s the fashion world version of an omnivore’s dilemma—though thanks to Stella McCartney, synthetic options are becoming more sustainable, even if they’re still super-expensive.
Kendall Jenner walks the runway — in fur — at Fendi, Photo: Getty Images
We won’t know if the fashion pack embraces Milan’s fur fetish until Fall, when this stuff is (or isn’t) in stores and on magazine covers. Meanwhile, let us know: if Kendall’s Fendi fur coat magically appeared in your closet, would you wear it?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed every day.
