Why furrier Yves Salomon dismisses the anti-fur movement that is sweeping fashion
Thomas Salomon, of the Yves Salomon fur company, says using fur in fashion is the same as using crocodile, leather and shearling. As he takes the brand in a fashion-forward direction, he says rivals that go fur-free are publicity seekers
Going fur-free is not just a hot topic among consumers. In recent months, several luxury fashion brands, including Michael Kors, Gucci and Versace, have banned the use of fur (and the list keeps growing).
It’s enough to make any furrier quake in their boots – that’s unless you’re Thomas Salomon, fourth-generation owner of fur company Yves Salomon.
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“What’s happening right now is just a fashion cycle. In fact, I call it the hypocrite cycle. It’s easy for brands to cut [fur] out when it makes up less than 0.1 per cent of their turnover. Plus half the time these brands don’t have a consistent strategy,” says Salomon.
“Who decided that crocodile, leather and shearling are OK but not fur? They are all the same. Besides, many of the brands who go fur-free are those that need a voice in the industry and are not necessarily performing well.”
Yves Salomon is best known in fashion circles for its fur-trimmed military parka. Launched in 2006 under its younger Army line, it became an instant bestseller and went on to inspire other brands to create their own version.
