Trade-Offs

In speaking with both luxury brand representatives and luxury consumers throughout my thesis research, I’ve started to think more and more about the idea of trade-offs when it comes to sustainability. Now, a trade-off isn’t necessarily a defined term in the sustainable fashion space, but it’s an idea that I’ve come to think about a lot.

Last week, when speaking with a Creative Director at an agency that specializes in luxury clientele, the individual posed this question: which is better – natural or faux fur? My gut instinct was faux fur. Of course! It comes as no surprise that humans are kinder to animals than we are to other humans. When thinking about faux fur versus natural fur, I immediately thought about protecting and saving the animals. I could tell that my response was exactly what the interviewee wanted me to say. They then took in my answer and pushed back – “but, faux fur is synthetic – meaning it’s often made of non-recyclable, plastic materials. At least animal fur is a natural, renewable and sustainable resource.” Rats. A fair point.

The interviewee posed another question: which is better – natural or vegan leather? Once again, the animals! The animals! Of course, vegan leather is better! Natural leather is a particularly intensive material to source and supply. It involves “…vast amounts of water, land and energy to rear cows and potentially hazardous chemicals to treat and dye the hide” (Deeley, 2021, para. 7). Once again, my response was exactly what the interviewee thought I’d say. They pushed back – “but, vegan leather is plastic-based – it’s synthetic. That’s not necessarily a sustainable option.” Rats, again. Another fair point.

The interviewee posed a final question: do you eat meat? To which I replied, “well, yes. I do eat meat.” I certainly come from a red meat lovin’ family. Any and all special occasions are celebrated around a fine piece of steak. The interviewee chuckled a bit – “well, if you eat red meat, what ground do you have to stand on to judge individuals who wear natural fur rather than faux fur; or, who choose natural leather rather than vegan leather?” Steak comes from animals, right? Well, so does leather and so does fur. Rats, times three. A third fair point.

I don’t think that the interviewee was trying to discourage me from my faux-fur, vegan leather mindset. I think they were trying to make a point – there are trade-offs when it comes to sustainability. While one option may seem more sustainable and ethical in one way – like protecting the animals – it may very well be unsustainable in another way – like synthetic, non-renewable materials. This person went on to explain that the most essential element in sustainable and ethical consumerism is knowledge. Knowledge is empowering. It allows us the opportunity to look at the options, weigh the pros and cons and ultimately decide which trade-off is the most important to us.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to stop eating red meat – my grandfather would be unbelievably disappointed (he often calls to tell me about the fine pieces of filet he’s got for me the next time I come home). But what I am going to do is think a little harder about the choices that I make. While this interviewee certainly made me sweat a little, I hadn’t really had anyone challenge me about my beliefs and the knowledge with which I used to form them. It’s not my responsibility to tell you which option is better – faux fur or natural fur, vegan leather or natural leather; but it is my responsibility to encourage you to choose to path.

Decide which trade-offs matter most to you.

Something to think about.

Bye for now,

McGee