Protest against Chinese fur

The news is full of protests against fur, while the catwalks appear inundated by creations dominated by the remains of mink, rabbit, lamb and fox. The animal rights activists have their work cut out for them, with fashionistas the world over demonstrating their disregard for these political agendas.

Last week animal rights activists were found protesting outside a New York department store where they accused designers Tommy Hilfiger and Sean John of using fur from China, where they claim the animals are skinned alive.

The Peta members (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) played videos of alleged fur farms in China outside Macy's in midtown Manhattan, trying to attract the attention of passers-by. They referred to results of an investigation which was released last month by the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan and Swiss Animal Protection that showed mistreatment of animals in China. The film showed raccoons and foxes being beaten and slammed to the ground and still struggling as their skin was removed.

According to Peta, most of the fur from China is used as a trim on more affordable items like ski jackets. Vice President of Peta, Dan Matthews, said: "Fur has fallen from favour. They're trying to sneak it back on cheap imports from China."

The organisation has promised to show the horrific video at malls throughout the US in an effort to dissuade them from purchasing fur. However, despite their good intentions and efforts, luxury fur sales have risen in recent years, and a number of retailers have also reported strong sales of lower-end fur items like trimmed goods.