Home » » Fashion Trends » Fashion Compassion

Fashion Compassion

© Karen Vigeland

I was a vegetarian for two years. Not because I love animals, but because I hate plants. It didn't work for me. The only time I craved meat was when I swore it off. I'm not a member of PETA, but I do love animals. Some of them, anyway.

It's hard to be a fashion fan and an animal lover at the same time. In the early 90's, fur became extremely taboo. But somewhere, people forgot the moral implications of wearing dead bunnies, and fur was back. This is leading us into this fashion season, where fur is so in, it's everywhere. So is leather. So what wins, your conscience, or your closet?

I don't wear fur for one simple reason: I can't afford it. My little detachable fur collar... is really a faux. My grandmother passed down two fur coats in her will. They're very nice, but I feel like Puff Daddy-meets-Dynasty in them. I know all about the horrible methods these animals are captured and killed and skinned. But I can't help admire a beautiful fox fur trim.

My true weakness is leather. Leather shoes, leather pants, leather jackets, a leather coat, leather purses. My leather pants are the single best thing in my cloest, second are my knee length black leather boots with the 4 inch heel. I know where leather comes from. I also know where hamburgers come from, but that didn't stop me from eating one last night.

I want to be compassionate to animals and all living things (except bugs and assorted vermin). But my heart belongs to fashion. *I* can spot pleather at fifty paces. Fake fur can look like a shag carpet and make you sweat in weird places. I suppose it's a matter of personal taste and moral fortitude. Who would you rather suffer: your style, or an animal? I can't tell you wear to stand on the issue of animal products in fashion. Personal opinion is one of the greatest factors in personal style. For me, I enjoy my leather. I enjoy looking at fur. I enjoy hanburgers. And I love my cat.