Stella McCartney on fur in fashion: ‘It’s completely barbaric’

Selina Denman   |  March 3, 2016

In an exclusive interview with Luxury magazine, Stella McCartney has reiterated her hard-line stance on the use of fur in fashion. “I think it’s completely barbaric and, moreover, unnecessary,” says the lifelong vegetarian, who has championed a more ethical approach to fashion, refusing to use fur or even leather in her designs.

Nonetheless, the numbers are worrying. In 2015, 73 per cent of the 436 autumn/winter shows in New York, Paris, Milan and London featured fur, according to Finnish auction house Saga Furs. In 2014, the number stood at an already high 71 per cent. And the contentious material is not only to be found on the catwalks, but is also worming its way into street fashion.

Read more: The resurgence of fur – real and faux

When asked whether she finds it frustrating that the fur debate is still raging in 2016, McCartney responds: “Yes, extremely. Everyone should be aware of our world we live in. To respect animals and to be aware of nature, to understand that we share this planet with other creatures.”