Pei Su, the founder of ACTAsia, a charity against fur, expresses gratitude as major fashion brands showcase their collections at London Fashion Week without using real fur trims. Having witnessed the cruelty of fur farming firsthand, Pei Su emphasizes the importance of not promoting the resurgence of fur, despite some celebrities and influencers advocating for it.
In 2023, London Fashion Week made a significant decision to become officially fur-free, a move that Pei Su celebrated. However, she is disheartened to see a shift in attitude among the younger generation, who are now endorsing real fur, contradicting the positive change she expected them to lead.
Through her organization, ACTAsia, Pei Su sheds light on the brutal realities of the fur industry, where millions of animals like foxes, mink, and raccoon dogs are bred and slaughtered annually. She raises concerns about the recent trend of promoting fur by TikTok influencers and celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Ice Spice, and Rihanna, highlighting the lack of compassion in their fashion choices.
The environmental impact of the fur industry is another pressing issue, with its high carbon footprint and toxic production processes. Fur farming not only inflicts cruelty on animals but also poses health risks, potentially serving as breeding grounds for pandemics due to the close proximity of animals and humans.
Pei Su opposes the normalization of vintage fur as a form of recycling, arguing that it perpetuates the acceptability of fur and drives demand. Despite the ban on fur farms in the UK, loopholes in import and sales regulations allow the continuation of the industry, with major retailers like Harrods and Louis Vuitton still selling fur products.
To combat the fur trade, Pei Su urges support for a parliamentary bill proposed by MP Ruth Jones to ban the import and sale of fur. ACTAsia’s efforts primarily focus on China, a key player in the global fur market, aiming to educate consumers and professionals to make ethical choices and reduce the demand for fur products.
Positive strides have been made in the fashion industry, with London Fashion Week banning exotic animal skins and New York Fashion Week going fur-free. While Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks still permit fur displays, they face increasing opposition and loss of sponsorship.
Despite progress in fashion events, Pei Su remains concerned about the growing acceptance of fur in everyday wear, urging people to reconsider their choices to prevent a regression in animal rights progress. ACTAsia continues its advocacy work, aiming to shift cultural norms surrounding fur consumption and promote compassion for animals and the environment.