Elizabeth Neville, Global Animal
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
The fashion industry loves to shock and surprise. Unfortunately, with sickening phrases such as, “Fur, fur, and more fur! It’s a must for your fall wardrobe,” smeared across the pages of their fall catalog, Neiman Marcus has added a new level of nasty to the classic shock factor. Not only do they simply feature items containing fur and animal skins — they promote the purchase of the materials themselves.
Beyond the usual high-end offenders such as calfskin and shearling, this edition of Neiman Marcus' "The Book" features disturbing exotics, such as this Valentino purse. It is made of antelope skin from Namibia, and is priced at a staggering $2,575.
Wearing leather does send a message, but whether on the runway or in the everyday, it is not a kind message to send.
Our cave-dwelling ancestors did not have much of an option when it came to covering themselves.
- Sign the petition to tell the Neiman Marcus president to stop the promotion and sale of fur.
Thankfully, times have changed, and common folk and fashionistas alike are now presented with a multitude of compassionate textiles; items of “Neanderthal Chic” (clothing materials, such as leather and fur, which revert the wearer to a less evolved look) are no longer an insulation requirement.
However, one particular section of Neiman Marcus’ Fall Catalog, titled “Natural Selection,” is pure, unapologetic, in-your-face Neanderthal Chic. Not only does it feature leather and fur items, it makes a point of promoting them as a “natural” and “indulgent” thing to wear…
...but is it natural to spend $5,250 on a (stupid-looking) vest made of dead fox? Apparently it is for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the designers of this piece, as evidenced by their new, slaughter-heavy clothing line, called "The Row." Clueless cruelty.
However, given their recent style decisions, this isn't terribly surprising behavior from the Olsens. Here, Ashley Olsen is photographed carrying another disturbing item from The Row: a backpack from made from crocodile skin, which costs $39,000. Tasteless and heartless, and completely out of touch with what's happening in the world, both economically and environmentally. Photo Credit: Huffington Post
Even for the most discerning aesthetics-lover, faux fur and leather products are now so well-engineered that killing animals for their skin is archaic and obsolete. Evidenced by style goddesses such as Stella McCartney and Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart of Vaute Couture, “frumpy” vegan footwear and clothing are things of the past. As such, it is especially disturbing when fashion entities, such as Neiman Marcus, encourage consumers to contribute their hard-earned money specifically to the cause of unnecessary slaughter.
A froth of fur? More like a doughnut of fox-death.
Another fur vest, but this one is made of yet another canine: the coyote, cousin of the domestic dog. Cruella DeVille, much?
Though governing bodies have attempted to implement regulations regarding the treatment of animals raised on fur farms, it is common knowledge that the thousands of living creatures who die for fashion are not always treated humanely. Especially in countries where regulations do not exist at all, animals are frequently kept in horrific conditions and then skinned alive. However, no matter the regulatory standards there is no such thing as “green” or “ethical” fur. The greater issue here is not the conditions these innocent animals face before slaughter; it is that they are being slaughtered at all, an unnecessary waste of life.
Would you pay $3,995 to carry a dead python around?
If you are saddened and outraged by Neiman Marcus’ pro-killing propaganda, please consider signing this petition to send in a letter to Neiman Marcus’ president to demand a stop to the sale and promotion of fur.
If you are blessed enough to possess the sort of cash it takes to purchase these dead-animal items, please consider spending it elsewhere — perhaps on equally “chic,” cruelty-free fashion. As consumers in a capitalist economy, where we choose to spend our money does make an audible statement; with enough voices, a boycott can be well-heard. Until Neanderthal Chic is no longer promoted by Neiman Marcus, please boycott their merchandise. The animals will thank you.
Related Stories:
Love to shop, but want to keep it animal-friendly? Check out A Kind Gift: Tips For Compassionate Shopping.
Read about another unfortunate fashion fad: Feather Hair Extensions: Fashion Without Compassion
South Korean activists stand up to Neanderthal Chic: Anti-Fur Protestors Storm Seoul Fashion Show
and a portion of your purchase – in any department – is donated to Global Animal Foundation.
There is NOTHING glamorous about wearing a dead animal!
this makes me sick anyone wearing fur should be skinned alive themselves to see what it feels like!! especially the brainless Olsens how disgusting they should spend that kind of money on useless stuff which has taken the life away from an animal
I will NEVER shop here ever! I don’t know how anyone would want to wear fur after knowing of the torture these poor animals go through – how could it possibly be worth it???? People are sick who wear fur
I have an account at Neiman Marcus, but I will not shop there ANY MORE EVER!!!
Beyond sickening. Someday, they will all have to answer for this.
Where can I sign the petititon???
Will NEVER shop here. Very unattractive. Want the animal ALIVE not dead for these useless people to wear!
People who create a demand for fur and skins is every bit as guilty of murder as the people who market it. Do they really think they need the furs and skins more than the original owners and do they not stop to think that these animals have to die in order for us to look nice?
I thought they were smart business women, guess no!
I would not want to wear the fur or skin off anyone else’s body. If we were supposed to have fur we would be born with it. I find it looks much better on the animals to whom the fur originally belongs.
Boycott this inhuman Nieman Marcus.
No fur!!! Shame on these wives who aren’t ladies in my eyes because of wearing fur. They have no heart and should be booed!!!
Anyone, male or female who would buy, sell or wear murdered animals is nothing more than a low class skank. That includes the models and especially the Olsens!!!
This is so barbaric, cold hearted, & cruel. I feel so bad for our prescious creatures, my heart is broken. Shame on you Neiman Marcus! Please end this evil act towards the creatures we love. No one should experience the pain that they creatures are in. It is horrific!
Truly amazing, the elite and wealthy of our country are disinterested or misinformed about the plight of wearing fur. You can educate the rich but you can’t make them see~
I will NOT ever shop Neiman’s again until they remove fur!
Senseless, thoughtless, uncaring, ignorant, inhumane and more! Why don’t you open your eyes to the awful truths around the production of animal skins and remove them from your operations as soon as possible?
Think of all the money they spend on this crap…could be dontating to good causes!
Disgusting!
Disgusting!
You guys suck. You think animals being tortured for their fur and then wearing that is cool?
ARRANCAR LA PIEL A UN ANIMAL ES EL ACTO MAS CRUEL QUE SOLO COMETE LA ESPECIE HUMANA.