Couple who wear real fur claim they have higher morals than vegans

Judi Caldwell, 41, and partner Lukasz Dlubek, 36, love everything to do with real fur.

Fur clothes made from animals like racoon, fox and chinchilla is not something usually associated with sustainability.

But one fur-loving couple claim the real stuff is actually more moral and sustainable than being a vegan.

Judi Caldwell, 41, and partner Lukasz Dlubek, 36, from Northern Ireland, share an equal passion and love for everything real fur, and say their collection makes them feel classy and elegant.

This includes interesting garments made out of all sorts of animals including mink, racoon, fox, moleskin and even a chinchilla.

But with this controversy comes a lot of hate from vegans online – who often send the couple death threats and question the morals and sustainability of real fur clothing.

Judi said: ‘Nowadays, there is a lot of “green washing” and a big emphasis on veganism and vegetarianism.

‘We are trying to promote sustainable fashion by wearing fur, but people are quick to jump online and judge us.

‘The hate we receive from a lot of vegans online is appalling and I’ve even had messages from someone who was threatening to slit mine and my dog’s throat because we wear fur.

‘I wear this to honour my granny who was a bit of a fashionista – she was the type of lady who wore stilettos to match her jacket and fur jacket on top – I always thought she looked so classy.

‘These vegans like to attack us but don’t think about where their soya comes from or what sacrifices had to be made to get it.

‘The garments we wear are more sustainable and we are more respectable than these people because our message is never one of hatred. It is about spreading positivity and networking through fashion.’

Lukasz added: ‘There is an idea out there that it is unusual for a man to wear fur, but I like it.

‘Some people think we are trying to prove that we are of a higher class or show that we have money but that’s not true at all – we are just regular people.

‘The public debate on the subject is very biased and the general argument against us is that fur is immoral however we remain and like to see both sides.

‘Fur farming can be and is ethical, to a greater degree. There is a lot of scientific evidence to back this.

‘The alternative is the argument of fake fur which is not even remotely similar.

‘They ship this from Bangladesh and China whilst pretending that it is the ethical choice, whereas we source ours locally and support smaller businesses.

‘Real fur lasts for so much longer when it’s cared for correctly, whereas fake fur is fast fashion – what do they think happens to all the plastic that is used to make it.’

Judi said: ‘Some people have the idea that those who wear fur are psychologically are damaged are evil.

‘Others try make it about sex or even prostitution yet here’s me wearing mine even to the shopping centre because I think that I look elegant and classy – I’m trying to break that bond because other’s views don’t represent the reason why I hate it.

‘In person, I’ve never received any hate – it is just faceless people online and so-called activists attacking us.

‘I only ever receive positive comments when I’m out – people ask to touch it and say I look fabulous.

‘I will never understand why people are so awful.

‘What is lacking in society is adults not being able to accept that you can have a difference of opinion and still be respectable – it’s scary.’

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