PETA Calls Fashion Week Truce, Sponsors Runway Show

Marc Bouwer Unveils “Love Affair With Faux” Collection on Valentine’s Day

When PETA hits a fashion runway, it’s usually with a sign reading, “Fur Shame.” But this season, to highlight the innovative, skin-free designs of Marc Bouwer, the animal rights group is working with the support of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and 7th on Sixth to produce an official Fashion Week event rather than disrupt one.

Bouwer, who dresses celebrities like Shania Twain, Julianne Moore, and Angie Harmon, features not only fake fur in his “Love Affair With Faux” collection, but also fake snake, mock croc, synthetic shearling, and pleather. “The collection pays tribute to the beauty of animals without taking their lives,” says Bouwer, who used fur early in his career. “There are durable and stylish textured fabrics now to replace any kind of animal skin. It’s become easy to be creative without being destructive.” Bouwer, a native of South Africa now living in New York, established his company in 1990 and started his ready-to-wear collection in 1996 with an emphasis on high-end eveningwear.

PETA, the world’s largest animal rights organization, has more than 800,000 members and supporters, including high-profile supporters such as Sir Paul McCartney and his designer daughter Stella, Charlize Theron, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, and Pamela Anderson, who introduced PETA to Marc Bouwer. PETA conducts undercover investigations to document how animals suffer in the production of fur, leather, and exotic skins.

Marc Bouwer's animal-friendly fashions include faux fur coats and fake leather shoes.

Marc Bouwer backstage with "Golden Girl" Rue McClanahan. 7th on Sixth director Fern Mallis, Marc Bouwer, and PETA's Director of Campaigns Dan Mathews. B-52's Kate Pierson admires Marc Bouwer's custom-designed jeans. Dominique Swain in head-to-toe Bouwer. The pantsuit is ultra-suede and the jacket is purple faux fox.


All photos:
Rob Rich
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