Trend Alert: Faux Fur

By Chris Frey
December 28, 2009

It’s that time of year again: All things cozy and warm within the realms of fashion and home design are appearing in full force; heavy blankets and coats already require a mid-season trip to the dry cleaner, and stores take on a soft and cuddly vibe that makes you want to redecorate your home with a ski lodge theme, even if you live in Florida. As I cuddle up in my cashmere throw (thank you, Santa), clichéd wintery vignettes are running rampant in my mind: couples toasting on a sprawling bear skin rug in front of a blazing fire, a group of friends decked out in furry boots and fuzzy sweaters lounging on overstuffed leather couches, red-cheeked children coming in from the cold bundled up in their wintery finery.

It’s the season of sumptuous, rich textures. And if you’re one who follows trends, runway or otherwise, you’ve noticed that this year, among the chunky knits and cashmere, is lots and lots of fur. Fur remains the gold standard of warmth and luxury in these long wintry months. And while it is undisputedly both warm and luxe, it is has also become a hot topic for animal rights activists. As a result of the fur debate, more and more designers, including heavyweights Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger Rebecca Taylor (left) and vegan pioneer Stella Mccartney, have embraced fake fur as a completely viable alternative to the real thing. And why not? Using faux fur is a conscientious choice and the product comes at a fraction of the cost. Although originally created in 1929 using alpaca fibers, it wasn’t until the 1950s that faux fur became widely available and increasingly better in quality, more durable, dense and “fur-like.” Today, fakes are often completely indistinguishable from the real thing. Not only do they look incredibly high quality, but they are also created to keep you just as warm as the real deal. Plus, the acrylic fibers are virtually resistant to all the usual culprits of ruin: mildew, sunlight, smoke and soot. Whether channeling rustic Aspen or prim Park Avenue, for sheer warmth or a quick fashion update, give fake a chance.

If you didn't get fur for Christmas, find these faux pieces on eBay:

1. Simply Vera Wang Cropped Jacket (buy it now price, $47.99) Gorgeous dove gray, cropped and with elbow length sleeves, this faux is the epitome of modern vintage chic.

2. Topshop Jacket (buy it now price, $175) This bohemian-meets-rocker vest from cool British chain Topshop has faux leather as well.

3. Bamboo Faux Fur Rug (buy it now price, $159) The rich color is beautiful on hardwood floors. Don’t let the white scare you off—it's machine washable!

4. Juicy Couture Boots (buy it now $125) A faux fur boot with a little bit of heel and not too much bulk is snow day perfection.

5. Trapper Hat (buy it now price, $19.99) An entirely faux trapper that will keep you just a toasty as the real thing, at about a tenth the price.

6. Hat, Scar and Glove Set (buy it now price, $45.99) A matching set might be a bit too much in any other hue, but the black looks right together.

7. Vest (buy it now price, $190.00) From H+M’s collaboration with Jimmy Choo, this vest is a cool companion for an evening out, or paired with with jeans and boots on the weekend.

8. Cheetah Throw (buy it now price, $69.95) A little cheetah can go a long way, so make sure this is the only animal print in the room.

Runway photo above from the Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009 fashion show, February 2009 in New York City (Photo by JP Yim/WireImage)

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