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New fur decidedly out of fashion

The latest fashion news is all about animal welfare. Unless you shop vintage fur, it's going to get increasingly difficult to purchase fur pieces in the coming years.

Recently, Donatella Versace announced that her brand will no longer carry fur. In an interview with 1843 magazine she said, "I don't want to kill animals to make fashion."

This comes at an interesting time considering fur pieces are some of the biggest trends lately. You will see fur coats, handbags, wallets, sandals and so much more. Other brands like Gucci and Michael Kors have also announced they will no longer be carrying fur. Less than two weeks after the Versace declaration, it was reported that the city of San Francisco ruled the selling of new fur pieces will be illegal within city limits beginning in 2019. According to The Cut magazine, this new ban doesn't include vintage or second-hand apparel, accessories, sheepskin or lambskin. Any furriers or stores in the area have until 2020 to sell their current inventory.

The modern way to go is faux fur and it's typically what most retailers are selling anyway. The budget-friendly fashionista isn't likely in the market for a floor length mink. Not only will we see an increase in faux fur production but I think there will also be an decrease in the sale of real vintage fur because people will be more shy about wearing it.

On the contrary, San Francisco loves real fur. The Chamber of Commerce estimated $40 million a year in fur sales. Other cities in California have also taken some action against banning fur, including West Hollywood and Berkeley. There's no telling if these bans will ever reach the federal level but San Francisco legislation is hoping the ban will inspire such regulation.

D’Nieka Hartsfield writes for The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at [email protected] or find her Facebook.