What the Models say

Heather Chase wearing a synthetic fur-trimmed jacket by Esprit. Photo: Russell Tanoue, Make-up: Jessica Campo, Hair: Danica Winters

Certainly not all fashion models lend their services to those designers who use fur in their grizzly creations. There are models with a conscience across the world who voice their distaste for the crueller aspects of the clothing industry. Some of these share their thoughts with Looking-Glass. Model Menu Heather Chase Wendy Andary Joanne Rose Minx and VMH Models

Heather Chase, accomplished model, founder of Models with Conscience and author gives her views on fur in fashion.

There is a saying: "If you love animals called pets, why eat animals called dinner?
The same could be asked about fur: "If you love animals called pets, why wear animals called fur?" In the case of products made from dog and cat fur, they are one and the same. In my view, this situation involves betrayal on two levels.
The thought of dogs and cats being slaughtered for their fur shocks those of us whose lives have been touched by companion animals. To many of us, dogs and cats are nothing less than members of our families, offering unparalleled loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. Yet our species betrays "man's best friend" by allowing dogs and cats to be slaughtered for their fur.

Most people would never even think of buying a product made from dog or cat fur. We shudder at the thought of wearing the skin of "Fido" or "Fluffy" on your backs. However, dog and cat fur products are often mislabeled as other types of fur. In my view, the consumer has a right to know what he or she is buying and this mislabeling is another betrayal, that of the consumer by the manufacturer. In some circles, it could even be considered consumer fraud. Since mislabeling is a common practice, the only way to know for sure that we are not buying dog or cat fur products is by not buying any fur products.

This approach is really the most compassionate one. If we eschew dog and cat fur, but buy mink, chinchilla, or other types of fur, wouldn't we essentially be saying, "It is wrong to slaughter dogs and cats since we are familiar with them. We have opened our hearts to them. Yet it is right to slaughter minks and chinchillas since we are not familiar with them. We have not opened our hearts to them."
To me, that is a double standard.

Perhaps we would do better to strive to be more democratic in our compassion. Perhaps we would do better to open our hearts equally to both "Fido" sitting at our feet and a mink languishing in a tiny cage on a so-called fur farm. Perhaps we would do better to listen more carefully, not to the fashion trends which are here today and gone tomorrow, but to our own conscience and our own heart, which are with us for our entire lives.

After all, as the poet Rumi said, "The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart."

You can read Heather Chase's column here at Looking-Glass and VeggieGlobal

Wendy Andary - Photo by Carlos Amoedo.

Wendy Andary In addition to being an accomplished model and American TV personality, Wendy Andary gives 20% of her personal income to animal protection charities, and has served as vice president of her local humane society. Wendy says, "If you think that wearing a little fur "here and there" doesn't make a difference ... you should find out the facts. Wearing cruelty, pain and suffering isn't ever in fashion. It's disgusting. And if you think that you can be an animal lover and still wear real fur, think again. The next time you give your dog or cat a pat on the head, remember that you could be wearing them, if the fur industry has anything to say about it! LOSE THE FUR!" Wendy Andary is an MwC member

Joanne Rose Joanne is an accomplished Australian model and actress, who has appeared in numerous films, television productions and music videos. Joanne says, "As long as there is an industry in favor of the torture and slaughter of animals for their coats, there will not be harmony in the world. How anyone can breed defenceless creatures for their skins is beyond evil." Joanne Rose is an MwC member

Minx and VMH Models

Minx models is a division of VMH - considered one of the industry's most prestigious and exclusive modeling agencies, representing only the very best fashion models around the world.
Minx tells Looking-Glass their thoughts on "Think About Fur" and about their strict anti-fur policy...

"VMH Models and Minx Models have a strict no-fur policy. We do not book jobs involving fur and we do not post photos of models wearing fur.
We encourage all models and modeling agencies to be kind to animals and say no to fur! It's time for the fashion industry to get out of the past and into the future.

Models ... don't be afraid to say NO to that fur job! If we all say no we can make an enormous difference. The end of the fur industry is all of our responsibility but the responsibility of the fashion industry is much, much greater.
Just say NO!!"

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