Fur Fashions

Despite what may sometimes seem like a growing anti-fur trend in fashion, the Times of London reports today that global prices for mink pelts have never been higher, reaching record levels over the last two years. The primary source of such growing demand reportedly comes from China and Russia, where the soft stuff is considered hotter than mod. But in North America, too, the cost of mink has more than doubled since the late 1990s

Despite fashion labels that have publicly boycotted the use of fur—Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger—there are still plenty of others who favor using real fuzzy flesh in their garments.

What’s more, fur clothing is actually viewed by many as a “green” alternative to other textiles. “Fur is the grand-daddy of green. It comes from a renewable, sustainable resource. There is very little pollution involved in the production of it and it is biodegradeable,” said Keith Kaplan, a rep from the Fur Information Council of America.

For those hoping to tread against the mink surge, there’s still one company willing to turn your fur coat into a lovable, stuffed teddy bear.

Fur product containing material other than fur

from www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/rr-fur.htm

RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER
THE FUR PRODUCTS IDENTIFICATION ACT

§ 301.32 Fur product containing material other than fur
Where a fur product contains a material other than fur the content of which is required to be disclosed on labels under other statutes administered by the Commission, such information may be set out on the same side of the label and in immediate conjunction with the information required under this Act; as for example:

100% Wool

Interlining -- 100% Recycled Wool

Trim -- Dyed Muskrat

Fur Origin: Canada

or

Body: 100% Cotton

Lining: 100% Nylon

Collar: Dyed Mouton Lamb

Fur Origin: Argentina

Information which may be desirable or necessary to fully inform the purchaser of other material content of a fur product may be set out on the same side of the label as used for disclosing the information required under the Act and rules and regulations; as for example:

Body -- Leather

Trim -- Dyed Mink