Noble fashion has long been associated with fur garments.
Fur Fabric – The Material of Noble Fashion
Fur has a history that dates back to ancient times, with no specific landmark marking its inception. According to some studies in the fashion industry, this material is believed to have originated between 100,000 to 500,000 years ago. At that time, humans used fur to wrap around themselves to keep warm during the cold winter months.
Fur fashion was once exclusively reserved for the aristocracy and elite.
Over time, fur evolved to become a symbol of luxury and wealth. From the 14th to the 17th century, fashion designs made from this material were strictly reserved for the noble class. Rare animals that were hunted for their fur during this period included foxes, ermine, and gray squirrels…
It is quite understandable why fur was favored by the aristocracy during this time. At that point, the technology for breeding fur-bearing animals for fashion had not yet been developed. The material was entirely sourced from hunting wild animals in nature, making it quite scarce and not everyone could afford a fur coat. This scarcity added to the value of fur fashion.
The Dark Reality Behind Luxurious Material
The rapid development of fashion has also changed perceptions of fur material. In the 1970s, a wave of animal rights activism surged, leading to a strong backlash against fur fashion and turning it into a “sinful” trend.
The consequence of the luxury and glamour of fur fashion is the brutal reality faced by animals. Statistics show that millions of wild and domesticated animals are abused and killed each year for their fur and skin to serve the fashion industry.
Recognizing the dangers, the trend of faux fur emerged to “make amends.” These designs still provide warmth and a soft texture similar to real fur. Faux fur is typically made from materials such as acrylic, polyester, or petroleum fibers. While they can degrade, the process takes a considerable amount of time.
