Is Fur Still in Fashion in New York?
As temperatures drop in New York City, the streets are filled with people adorned in fur coats, hats, and stoles. Despite the industry-wide crackdown on fur, attendees at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) are still embracing this controversial trend.
From vintage pieces to faux fur, New Yorkers of all ages are embracing this luxurious look. Some purchase their fur from traditional sources, while others turn to local “fur guys” in neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District or the Lower East Side. Interestingly, some individuals even pass off non-vintage fur as vintage to avoid criticism.
“The animal is already dead. I have no shame,” one person boldly stated at a fashion week party. Another editor simply remarked, “It’s just so cold,” when asked about her love for fur. According to Nick Pologeorgis, co-chair of the American Fur Council, there has been a recent surge in demand for fur, especially among young women.
Despite the growing popularity of fur in New York City, the fashion industry is moving in the opposite direction. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced a ban on fur from New York Fashion Week runways starting next season, signaling a shift towards more sustainable and ethical fashion choices. Global fur production has also seen a significant decline in recent years, with many top brands committing to fur-free collections.
However, the fur trend continues to thrive in New York City, with designers like Fforme, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and more incorporating furry pieces into their collections. Even celebrities like A$AP Rocky are embracing fur, with the rapper debuting a voluminous fur snood at his label’s show during NYFW.
Despite the industry’s push towards more ethical fashion choices, the allure of fur remains strong in New York City. Whether it’s for fashion or function, it seems that fur is here to stay in the Big Apple.
