Finally, the time has come for South Africa to use fashion as a platform to unite against animal cruelty. As international fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee puts it
“This is Fashion Activism on the catwalk”.
I, for one, am a HUGE animal lover and was quite oblivious to what goes into making the clothes that you find in some of your favourite stores.
That stunning floor-length fur coat originated on the back of a cute little mink that was born and raised in a small dirty cage and who was subjected to violent and inhumane treatment for most of it’s life. Then if that isn’t bad enough it was either clubbed, strangled or electrocuted to death and then finally, skinned. Not so stunning anymore, huh?
So, Fur Free SA decided, along with celebrity and designer animal lovers, to create a Fur Free Fashion Show . The Task: To make a fabulous outfit free from fur or any animal product. The Outcome: Well, just take a look at these… 
The fantastic Elana Afrika is wearing this one-of-a-kind organza party skirt designed by the talented Malcolm Kluk from KLuk CGDT. Fashion is about using material on the outside to portray what is on the inside and this skirt does exactly that. Elana‘s bubbly personality can be seen in the amalgamation of bright colours and in the extravagant flower detail around her waist.
Now for the men, Wonderboom front man Cito Otto struts his sexy stuff in a look designed by Augustine Bespoke Apparel. These designers really know how to make any man look and feel irresistible. Dungarees are a huge trend this season and the designers of Augustine have incorporated this trend into this tailor-made suit. The magic here, is in the innovative detail of this suit; slanted zip, sophisticated collar and cuffs and finally, a smart match of rich black tailored pants and grey checkered shirt. Absolutely love it! 
Here, SA’s top jewelry designer, Jenna Clifford, is draped in Gert-Johan Coetzee awesomeness! Gert-Johan really sticking to the anti fur campaign by showing how a feather boa can look as dazzling – if not, even more so – without the use of feathers. This dress has a certain Egyptian feel to it and simply cannot be complete without that cute poodle accessory.
Here’s what I wore to the Fur Free Fashion Show 
A cute round-neck lace mini dress from Topshop and to make a fashion statement I decided to wear my Forever New open-toe heels with Topshop grey ankle socks – Huge trend this season.
As someone whom is obsessed with fashion and following trends, I walked away from the Fur Free Fashion show a little wiser. Many, including myself, don’t understand that animal products and fur are used in the process of making some of our favourite clothes even if it can’t be seen. The truth is, faux fur is often cat or dog fur dyed so my lesson is: Walk away from anything that looks remotely similar to fur. Be conscious and aware of the things you buy. Speak for those who can’t. Choose Fab fashion that is fur free.
Photographs taken by Andrew Howes.
Keep it Fashion Fab.
LJ ❤
Want to know more about Lauren Jenae? Check out her website here.
Follow LJ on twitter @laurenvank and instagram @laurenjenaevk
Lauren Jenae 
