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Original poster

Bit controversial this .....real fur

61 replies

Eliza22 · 31/10/2012 18:24

Just asking as a general question.

My elderly mum has a fur coat. It was massively expensive, back in the day and is still pristine. I remember if used to go into cold storage for the summer! I also remember, as a child, snuggling into it and it and it smelt of her perfume. She still wears it.

She talks about leaving stuff " to me" (she's at that age, a little preoccupied with her not being here much longer) and I know she has the coat in mind.... It's become an heirloom.

What would you do? I personally have never owned anything sporting animal fur. I've told her I'd probably get a load of abuse, if I tried to walk about in it. But then I thought..... It's vintage, it's dead already, I cannot bring it back so, should it be binned?

Would you wear it? My mum, having been asked about it always says " yes it's genuine but it was bought for me in a decade when people did wear fur and gave it little thought". I'd be inclined to say "no, it's fake. A very good fake".

God forbid the demise of my mum should be anytime soon but, what would YOU do?

OP posts:
CalamityKate · 31/10/2012 18:27

I'd probably wear it but tell people it was fake (other than close friends).

Although I've never seen a fur coat look good anyway; they all tend to make the wearer look like an old lady. Maybe I've just seen awful fur coats!

AmberLeaf · 31/10/2012 18:27

I would wear it.

It would be a waste to get rid of it.

scarevola · 31/10/2012 18:27

I'd sell it.

I wouldn't wear anything I wouldn't eat nor would I want to fake that.

winnybella · 31/10/2012 18:31

I can't be bothered with all the meat-eating people getting all uptight about furs, tbh. Meat isn't necessary to your survival, either.

I get the point about less than perfect conditions on fur farms, but then a closer look at farming/dairy industry wouldn't show a nice picture either...

So, yes, if I liked it, I would wear it.

MrsWolowitz · 31/10/2012 18:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mominatrix · 31/10/2012 18:32

I'd wear it. I have a beautiful mink which was given to me by my mum. I have really fond memories of it as it was her "daily" coat when I was young, and I remember her wearing it. I have received many compliments on it, and never had a negative remark. Actually, I have never been made to feel uncomfortable - probably as there are a mix of real and very good fakes about, and most people can't tell the difference.

MrsLHofstadter · 31/10/2012 18:32

My mum has one she hasn't worn in about 30 years, just sat at my GP's unloved. I'd wear it now if it fitted me.

bulletwithspookybatwings · 31/10/2012 18:32

I'd wear it. I wouldn't buy fur, but I'd be very pleased to inherit it. Blush

MrsWolowitz · 31/10/2012 18:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Figgygal · 31/10/2012 18:33

Sell it to avoid someone who wants a real fur from buying a new one......I think there's a roaring trade in vintage fur coats

TinyDancingHoofer · 31/10/2012 18:34

I'd wear it. Quite happily.

TinyDancingHoofer · 31/10/2012 18:34

I have the mink stole my late grandmother got married in, tis lovely.

Annunziata · 31/10/2012 18:36

I'd love a fur coat.

winnybella · 31/10/2012 18:37

MrsWolowitz- yes, well, that is terrible, but so are the living conditions of chickens, with urine burns/no space to turn around/being pecked to death etc etc. It's just slower.

And I imagine there must be some more ethically run fur farms? No one says you have to buy fur produced in China.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 31/10/2012 18:38

I just couldn't wear it but then I'm a lentil weaving vegan. If you're not a veggie can't see why you shouldn't wear it.

winnybella · 31/10/2012 18:40

Point being that lots of people who don't buy free range eggs (which still isn't as rosy for the chickens as people imagine) still get all upset about furs.

MrsWolowitz · 31/10/2012 18:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Eliza22 · 31/10/2012 18:43

Some food for thought there.... And not the absolute "burn it!" I expected.

Not sure what I'll do, when that time comes. It was bought in the 50's, a bit Joan Crawford in the film "Mildred Pierce". God knows what the thing cost. I certainly wouldn't give it to charity or sell it to prevent someone else buying a real fur. That doesn't make sense, that comment.

OP posts:
Mominatrix · 31/10/2012 18:46

Eliza, you can have the coat retailored to change the style. I was given another fur which I am considering getting retailored as it isn't worn (it is a floor length fur, and quite OTT for my lifestyle).

winnybella · 31/10/2012 18:47

MrsWolfovitz- yes, that's why I corrected myself in the next post, saying that often people are inconsistent. But I think if you eat ethically farmed meat then I don't understand why would you mind wearing ethically farmed fur, unless, as you say, such a thing dosn't exist.

I'll look at your link in a sec.

runningforthebusinheels · 31/10/2012 18:50

Nope, could never wear fur, no matter how vintage. I couldn't even be vaguely endorsing of something so cruel as the fur trade.

Can't be asked to link - but there's a very good campaign 'here's the rest of your fur coat' which about sums it up for me.

LST · 31/10/2012 18:51

Same position. I wore my mink to work today. It's about 55 years old. I'd never buy into it but it was my nans and it's lovely and the warmest coat I own. Know body expects it to be real. Just really really expensive.

Original poster
Eliza22 · 31/10/2012 18:52

Couldn't open the link.

Actually, though its a good idea, I'd not change the coat. It's as I say, beautifully styled and I used to love the silky lining and ties on it. It really is classic.

I'm talking myself into the thing, here!

OP posts:
LST · 31/10/2012 18:52

*nobody

winnybella · 31/10/2012 18:52

Just had a quick look, but it's PETA, with all its sentimental and emotive way of describing the industry. Sorry, but I am not a fan of them, at all. Have you any other, more impartial, sources?