• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.66 no.7
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• pp.17-33
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• 2016

Consumption of faux fur is a part of ethical consumption, and is valuable in terms of protecting and caring for animals. The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning of consuming faux fur (i.e., characteristics of faux fur consumption and how consumers relate faux fur with ethical issues) from the perspective of consumer culture theory. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with those who have purchased faux fur. Two overarching themes emerged in regards to consuming faux fur, altruistic and egoistic orientation. Regarding the altruistic orientation, participants were sympathetic to animals, and considered consumption as part of practicing social responsibility and ethics. Participants had concerns for animal rights and conflicts with others who consumed actual fur. They viewed faux fur as an alternative to actual fur. Regarding egoistic orientation, participants isolated themselves from ethical issues in order to be free from guilt. Despite the preference for actual fur, they compromised between their desire and social criticism. Furthermore, their intention was to pretend as if they were wearing actual fur or move onto a completely different style, and had a negative outlook on social change regarding the adoption of faux fur. The findings contribute to a better understanding of consumer culture of consuming faux fur. Further research on diverse aspects of ethical consumption is warranted.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.390-407
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• 2021

The study aims to assess the current status of sustainable clothing habits from the perspective of consumers. Awareness and management behavior regarding microplastics from fashion products and usage of fleece and faux fur were investigated. A random online survey involving 413 women was conducted to figure out their perceptions on microplastics that are shedded from fashion products such as fleece and faux fur. The results indicate that 73.6% were not aware of the fact that microplastic is released during the washing process of fleece and faux fur. Furthermore, only 26.6% of the respondents who were aware of microplastics from clothing washing were making efforts to reduce its emission. The respondents considered product sustainability more in the selection stage than in the management stage (p<.001). The results revealed that, although the respondents were highly aware of the risk of environmental pollution that microplastics pose, they were neither fully cognizant of the fact that microplastics may come from fashion products, nor did they make efforts to reduce its emissions. Compared with respondents in their 20's, respondents in the age of 30-40 years seemed more aware of microplastics from fashion products and exerted more effort to reduce its emission.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.779-798
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to propose the direction of veganism-based fashion design in environmental and animal protection through the theoretical consideration of vegan fashion and the analysis of the practical design characteristics of veganism in Stella McCartney's fashion. The research was conducted through literature research and case studies. After investigating the concept and characteristics of vegan fashion, focusing on previous studies and various fashion-related Internet data, Stella McCartney's fashion was examined with particular attention on vegan characteristics. The results of the study are as follows: First, imitative nature pursues animal and environmental protection, but the motif or appearance is a characteristic of pursuing a multi-purpose design that imitates animals and nature. Second, expression of value is based on slow fashion, simplicity, and sustainable minimal design. It is expressed indirectly by pursuing permanence, simplicity, and long-wearable design, or directly expressing vegan values through phrases expressed in performances or costumes in the collection. Third, alternative eco-friendliness is characterized by using cruelties-free materials such as faux fur, recycling materials, new bio-materials, and regenerated materials. These vegan characteristics are comprehensively and organically expressed in the works of the collection, and through this, sustainable and eco-friendly vegan fashion is pursued. It is anticipated that by deriving the vegan fashion characteristics of Stella McCartney, who represents vegan fashion, it will be possible to provide the basis for practical direction and design methods for fashion brands aiming for vegan fashion styles.