Pei Su, the creator of the anti-fur organization ACTAsia, expressed gratitude that major fashion brands showcasing at London Fashion Week have completely shunned the use of real fur. Having witnessed the cruelty of fur farming firsthand, Su is alarmed by the increasing endorsement of fur by some celebrities and influencers, despite the significant progress made by London Fashion Week in officially going fur-free in 2023.
Su, through her work with ACTAsia, is deeply familiar with the grim reality of the fur industry, where millions of animals like foxes, mink, and raccoon dogs are bred and slaughtered annually. The recent trend of TikTok influencers and celebrities flaunting real fur garments, such as Kendall Jenner, Ice Spice, and Rihanna, contradicts the notion of compassionate fashion.
The detrimental aspects of fur farming extend beyond animal cruelty to environmental concerns, as the fur industry is ecologically harmful and energy-intensive. Moreover, fur farms pose a significant risk for global health, serving as potential breeding grounds for pandemics due to the close proximity of animals and human contact.
While some argue that vintage fur promotes recycling, Su believes it only normalizes fur consumption, thus perpetuating demand. Despite the ban on fur farms in the UK, the allowance of fur imports and sales, particularly by renowned retailers like Harrods and Louis Vuitton, remains a contentious issue.
To combat the fur trade, Su urges support for a bill in the UK Parliament proposed by MP Ruth Jones, aiming to prohibit the import and sale of fur. ACTAsia’s efforts focus on China, a key player in the global fur industry, to educate consumers and professionals about making ethical choices.
Positive strides have been made globally, with over 1600 retailers joining the Fur Free Retailers scheme, including 112 in China. London Fashion Week’s decision to ban exotic animal skins and New York Fashion Week’s fur-free policy demonstrate progress, though challenges persist in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Despite advancements in the fashion industry, Su remains concerned about the resurgence of fur consumption among the public. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful consumer choices to avoid regressing in animal rights progress.