Fur trade chief tells of fears for traders' futures after ban on 'vintage' fur at Old Spitalfields Market

Boss of the British Fur Trade Association defends sale of 'vintage' fur at Spitalfields Market
Fur ban: Traders at Spitalfields market risk losing their livelihoods, an expert said
Waring Abbott/Getty Images
Fiona Simpson1 January 2018

A ban on the sale of fur at one of London’s most historic markets could “destroy the age-old livelihoods” of traders, an expert said.

The sale of new and vintage fur, any part of vulnerable, exotic and endangered species, bone horn shell or teeth are also included in the ban.

Now, the chief executive of the British Fur Trade Association has hit out at the ban.

Mike Moser claimed that banning fur could lead to calls from “ideological” animal rights campaigners to protest against the sale of leather, silk and sheepskin from the capital’s market stalls.

Mr Moser called for clarity on the extent of the ban and said: “I have seen very good quality fur for sale in Spitalfields, it’s expensive stuff. It’s old, vintage fur.

“I don’t think fur can solely be targeted, I’m all for people expressing their opinion and I’d fight for that but what you risk here are the questions ‘are going to ban leather, silk, wool or sheepskin?’

“This does pose a risk to people’s livelihoods.”

He added that the ban by markets and huge fashion labels such as Gucci, which pledged to go fur-free next Spring, could affect an age-old trade.

Mr Moser added: “Fur has been traded for thousands of years and what we have to remember here is this is a years and years old market. Fur is the first material we had contact with as humans.

“An argument for a ban by fashion companies, like Gucci, is sustainability but that’s not a reason to ban fur, how can replacing natural material with synthetics be more sustainable?”

However, the announcement was hailed a victory for animal rights campaigners who called for fur to be banned at London Fashion Week in September.

Director of Corporate Projects at animal rights group PETA Yvonne Taylor said: “The British public is saying no to fur – and Old Spitalfields Market has listened.

“Today's consumers want cruelty-free fashion – and PETA urges those markets still peddling real fur of any era to follow in Old Spitalfields Market's footsteps so that they, too, can become shopping destinations fit for Britain in 2018.”

A spokeswoman for Old Spitalfields Market told the Standard: "Following a number of Facebook posts at the beginning of October, the owners of Old Spitalfields Market reviewed the position regarding the sale of animal fur by stall holders.

"As a result, it was decided that with effect January 1 2018, animal fur would no longer be sold in Old Spitalfields Market. Under the Prohibited Goods section of the Traders Rules and Regulations."

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