The use of real fur for objects and apparel is one of the most luxurious yet also controversial subjects in the world of fashion. Ten fashion students at the UdK Berlin (Berlin University of the Arts) are developing their own positions for or against the use of fur, under the direction of Professor Grit Seymour and her Arts Associate Franziska Schreiber.

Fur represents tradition. We have worn furs from time immemorial – to protect ourselves from the cold, as well as for decorative purposes. Fur has become a matter of both science and conscience. Animal rights organizations have mounted strong protests against the fur industry, and many prominent models have posed for PETA’s anti-fur campaign – only to become involved in marketing the use of fur years later.

Fashion designers are called upon to take a clear stand. As part of a project for the fashion design department at the UdK Berlin, students took up this discussion and designed a collection of articles made of real and artificial fur, as well as a collection that was produced in cooperation with »Kopenhagen Fur«, the world’s largest fur auction house, and the furrier design workshop Fechner Design Berlin.

Project direction: Professor Grit Seymour, Arts Associate Franziska Schreiber
Project partners: Kopenhagen Fur, Fechner Design, Deutsches Pelzinstitut, Tissavel International S.A.S., Gierlings Velpor S.A., Girmes International GmbH