Welcome back fam!
Today’s cultural style post might be a bit controversial depending on the audience, but I feel it’s time to get this off my chest, LOL!
Confession - True Life: I Wear Real Fur
Briefly said, groups such as PETA and Greenpeace have been around from as early as the 1970’s, leading the fight to preserve our environment and at risk wildlife against the ravages of climate change, deforestation, and over poaching, just to name a few.
That said, while the conversation around animal rights along with the shift in fashion moving away from utilizing fur as a medium has been ongoing … What hasn’t been discussed are the experiences of African and Native / Indigenous peoples. For many of us incorporating fur, animal skins, feathers, etc as a traditional textile has been embedded into the DNA of our culture for generations, particularly during key life milestones. There’s a reverence there … A sacred relationship between the animal and the people / tribes in the neighboring community .
Quietly? It’s been interesting to see the social discourse and public shaming associated with wearing fur, when the problem of converting from an agricultural economy to a globally mass produced, factory driven one was pioneered by Europeans and the “Western” world. While the Industrial Revolution has been touted as one of humans greatest marvels, introducing the world to modernization … The repercussions of this success may also be theirs to own as well, as it radically changed the relationship between humans and nature forever.
Should African and Indigenous peoples feel shame and alter their traditions and style of dress today when prior to colonization, tribes were often living in harmony with nature? Living in a way that didn’t raze whole forests and eliminate entire habitats? … Should we banish fur and animal based textiles from our wardrobes, eliminating / losing a part of our history when … It could be argued that we didn’t create this problem in the 1st place?
I have no answer’s here, but I’m open to your thoughts. Till next time fam! …
Love The Style? Shop the Look!
Below are links to some of your favorite pieces from this week’s look! As always, many the Daily Fashion Fix looks showcase pieces directly from our Q.A.C Webstore and will be highlighted with “add to cart.”
Shop our authentic cultural accessories and adornments featured in this week’s post below!
Alright loves, that’s all for now. As always, the Journey Continues!
