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Don't flaunt your fur collection, it isn't cool

It is time to start layering up as temperatures drop across the emirates. I recently took out my knits, a few light jackets, and I might even look for my boots. But that's where it ends. It is certainly not fur weather here - though I have spotted some well-heeled women stepping out at night in mink, sable and fox wraps. In fact, you can notice a few high-end fashion boutiques in and around Dubai Marina that specialise in selling fur, which obviously means there is a niche clientele for these jackets. Yet, I think the women who insist on wearing and buying fur have not got the latest fashion memo.
A couple of months back, Gucci announced it would be a fur-free brand. Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO, Gucci, said that furs where now "outdated". This is a bold statement, especially since the fur-trimmed shawls from this fashion house were the must-have just a few winters ago. Armani, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren have been fur-free for a while, and now as one of Europe's most important fashion houses decides to join the cause, it is a real win for the anti-fur lobby. A few days ago, Michael Kors and accessory brand Jimmy Choo said it would also be fur-free brands starting 2018.
Such news speaks volumes about how sustainability is now on top of the minds of fashionistas. It also reflects how technology has changed fashion. In fact, Michael Kors has been quoted saying: "Due to technological advances in fabrications, we now have the ability to create a luxe aesthetic using non-animal fur." His label is expected to unveil these new techniques at their next runway show in February.
While the industry is still uncertain if brands like Fendi (for whom fur is almost a trademark), Chanel and Dior will follow suit, going fur-free has been one of the most notable trends of 2017. Most of the fur traders say that most faux fur is actually made of petrochemicals, and is a hazard to the environment. They add that many fur farms adhere to strict standards, but it is hard to think killing an animal for its skin can actually be a "better" evil. 
There are a few notable fashion brands that have been more conscious of their choice of material. Stella McCartney, for instance, has always been a vegetarian brand. She uses biodegradable fabric instead of leather, and the polyester that lines her bags is made from recycled plastic bottles.
February will be an interesting month, as we will see fashion houses unveil their Fall/Winter collections. Since both Gucci and Kors have had a history of using fur, the industry is looking forward to see how they replace fur with a more socially friendly alternative. I am waiting to add one of these new pieces to my collection.
Now before I get some rather rude messages from people who know me well, let me admit: I do own a few furs. I have lived in London, New York and Delhi - all places where winters are fierce. I was younger and perhaps not aware of how cruel the fur industry can be, and so I indulged. If the need occurs, I might take these furs out since I already own them. But I would not buy a fur anymore and do not advocate fur in any of my fashion writings.
Would I be wearing them in Dubai, right now? Definitely not.
Perhaps if you're the type who needs to show off your bank balance on your body, then I can understand the need of bringing out those furs. Otherwise, what's the need for wearing fur when it is still 18 degrees outside?
Sujata Assomull is the Consulting Fashion Editor at the Khaleej Times