Fashion Fatale

From cavemen to Paris Hilton, animal hide and feathers have been in our wardrobes for thousands of years. The objects shown here reveal the dramatic difference details like claws, paws, fur, or feathers bring to a garment.

For some, furs were a matter of survival: they provided much needed warmth. For others, the use of furs had no utilitarian value: wearing mink or sable was pure indulgence that indicated wealth and status. 

It wasn’t only about animal hide: the value of feathers – particularly ostrich feathers – was once compared to diamonds.

Nowadays, clothes using real feathers and animal hide often arouse great controversy and protest. Concerns about the welfare and survival of animals and birds have contributed to a decline in the use of feathers and fur in dress. Even where there’s wind and ice, wearing fur has fallen out of favour – and isn’t as fashionable as it used to be.