Pei Su, the founder of the anti-fur organization ACTAsia, expressed gratitude that major fashion labels showcasing at London Fashion Week have opted out of using real fur trims. Having witnessed the cruelty of fur farming firsthand, Pei Su is dismayed by the increasing endorsement of fur by celebrities and influencers, despite the positive step taken by London Fashion Week in officially going fur-free in 2023.
Pei Su, through her work with ACTAsia, has a deep understanding of the atrocities within the fur industry, where millions of animals like foxes, mink, and raccoon dogs are bred and slaughtered annually. The recent promotion of fur by TikTok influencers and celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Ice Spice, and Rihanna is a concerning trend that contradicts compassionate fashion values.
The environmental impact of the fur industry, with its high carbon footprint and toxic practices, is another critical point of concern. The confinement of animals in fur farms poses not only a threat to their well-being but also to global health, potentially serving as breeding grounds for pandemics.
Despite the ban on fur farming in the UK, the continued import and sale of fur raise ethical questions, especially as stores like Harrods and Louis Vuitton still offer fur products. Pei Su urges support for a parliamentary bill proposing a ban on fur import and sales, highlighting the need for collective action to condemn the fur industry.
ACTAsia’s efforts to shift attitudes towards fur, particularly in China as a key supplier, have shown progress with a decreasing number of fur farms. The organization has also garnered support from over 1600 retailers globally through the Fur Free Retailers scheme, emphasizing the growing momentum against fur in the fashion industry.
While London Fashion Week and other events have taken steps towards banning fur and exotic animal skins, challenges persist, notably in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Pei Su emphasizes the importance of individual choices in supporting ethical fashion practices to prevent a regression in animal rights progress.
Pei Su, the CEO of ACTAsia, a UN-supported NGO dedicated to promoting compassion for animals and the environment, encourages informed decision-making to combat the normalization of fur in fashion. For more information on ACTAsia’s initiatives, visit www.actasia.org.
