Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Ashley,

You heard right, luxury is back as a driving fashion force and with it comes a revival of furs, leathers, and skins. Fashion magazines and runways are back in love with all things luxe!

Knowing the fickleness of the fashion world, I can sincerely say that I don1t think the trend will stay around very long. As with any trend, it will complete its runway lifecycle within a few seasons. Real fur might be in for the winter, but come spring, I predict designers going into full fur-denial. Nothing is wrong with modacrylics! You are so right, they feel soft, light, tactile, (not to mention warm and fuzzy) against the skin and look exactly like real fur. Acrylic fibers are widely used for knitted clothes, wigs, and most definitely, faux fur. Modacrylics have preserved the lives and pelts of plenty of animals. Remember to always stay true to your own fashion values. If you are against the slaughter of fur-bearing animals like raccoons, bobcats, lynxes, beavers, and coyotes for the sake of fashion, then look to organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for support. Don1t feel like you1re alone; Stella McCartney, Pamela Anderson Lee, Calvin Klein, Tyra Banks, Giorgio Armani, Kim Basinger, Todd Oldham, and Christy Turlington are just a few of the many celebrities, models, and fashion designers who have sworn off real fur for good. To keep up with anti-fur campaigns, check out http://www.furisdead.com/. Hope this helps!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl