They were identified with high society, prestige and luxury only for a select few. Mink fur is paid for by the suffering of these animals. It is possible that their production will be completely banned in European countries.
The year 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus have been difficult in many ways, but there is at least one positive thing. The collapse of the fur industry, specifically the production of mink fur from, among others, Denmark. Many millions of these animals were slaughtered there because several hundred people were infected with a mutation of the coronavirus, which first appeared in minks. It was also feared that there would be negative effects in the face of the vaccination campaign that had begun.
In addition, one company responsible for about 40% of global mink fur sales announced its closure. Similar infections have also been detected in Spain and the Netherlands.
As you can see, the coronavirus has significantly accelerated the shift away from natural fur production. This is very good news, because now on the market we have such excellent imitations of various furs, that there is no need to condemn these small animals to suffering.
In many countries, fur farms are completely banned, due to ethical reasons on the one hand, and environmental damage on the other. We are talking about the strong chemicals that are used to preserve fur. Some countries have introduced such strict regulations that fur production becomes practically unprofitable. Also, global fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Prada and Burberry do not give permission for natural fur.
For decades, mink fur was a symbol of luxury and prestige, reserved only for the upper classes. Even in ancient Egypt, the pharaoh and high priests wore lion or leopard fur. It was once believed that by wearing these natural garments one gained the strength of the animal. Later, it was even the case that wearing furs made from certain animals had its own legal regulations – not every social group could wear them. When it comes to mink fur, the first farm was established in Germany in 1926.
Over the years, fur became a desirable trade item. Some models cost a dizzying sum in the hundreds of thousands of zloty. Fur coats were promoted not only in advertising campaigns, but also in top movies, where the actresses wearing them were in attendance. Show business was also full of natural fur.
Over the years, trends have changed somewhat and fur is no longer a fashionable outer garment. Now it is much more common to see fur items such as collars and pompoms. The public is also more aware of the drama that takes place on factory farms, and various organizations reveal new abuses on such farms – mink are crammed into cramped cages, permanently stressed, with eye diseases. There are even acts of cannibalism.
There is also an international Fur Free Shops campaign, promoting only retailers who have made a written commitment not to sell natural fur and any fur accessories or hems. It currently brings together over 1000 companies, brands and designers from around the world, including Poland. Moreover, we will not see furs on fashion weeks in London or Amsterdam.
In the past mink fur was a sign of high social status, today many people cannot imagine wearing it or having it in their closet. Furs are also associated with a bygone era and with women of a respectable age. Today, technology is so advanced that many people have trouble distinguishing between artificial and natural fur. So why support this business?
