Imposter: Fur Gets a Fashion Week Makeover

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-02-18 12:00:00 UTC
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This past week, New York Fashion Week runways saw more fur coats than they had in years.

But Jaclyn Sharp struck back with the release of Imposter, a collection that is both fashionable and proudly faux. The "certified animal friendly" symbol clearly marks every garment, so there's no doubt that you — along with Carrie Underwood, Angie Harmon, Emmy Rossum, and other Hollywood elite — made the compassionate choice.

Imposter was not only inspired by Sharp's love for animals, but every sale gives back to the animals through donations to a range of animal organizations including Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, and Re-Run Thoroughbred Adoption. Gene Baur, President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, applauds the new company. "By creating a label that is not only synonymous with cruelty-free fashion, but also a coveted fashion accessory in and of itself, Jaclyn Sharp and her revolutionary business concept will help shift the demand curve toward animal friendly products and away from those that exploit."

Imposter's animal-friendly mission is further enhanced by their IM 4 Animals site, where their customers can take their compassion to the next level by reading up on the latest animal issues and taking action on leading campaigns. The label's faux fur hats, vests, and earmuffs are available at Henri Bendel in New York City, as well as other high-end stores and boutiques, and online. The brand plans to expand their line into other faux animal products in the future, including imitation "leather."

Sharp has her work cut out for her. Stephanie Solomon, fashion director at Bloomingdale's, is looking forward to booming fur sales this fall. "And for those who don't like the idea of fur, there is great faux fur."

Of course, much of that faux fur is actually mislabeled raccoon dog fur. Bloomingdale's happens to be owned by Macy's, the last holdout in the Humane Society of the United States' false advertising lawsuit against several major retailers who had been caught with mislabeled fur garments. Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and designer Andrew Marc all signed settlement agreements to reform their advertising and labeling practices, and support the campaign to reform fur labeling laws.

It's time for Macy's to join the trend of letting their customers make the compassionate choice. Tell Macy's to stop mislabeling fur.

And keep an eye out for the Imposter symbol on a runway, or boutique rack, near you.

Photo credit: Imposter

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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