Kitson Faced with Faux Fur Mislabeling Controversy

This week, the well-known Los Angeles based boutique Kitson found itself the target of the found itself to be the target of investigations by the Humane Society of the U.S. after it discovered that the boutique was selling real fur products that were mislabeled as faux fur. According to WWD, the animal-protection organization "identified three items sold online by the Los Angeles-based retailer described as 'faux fur' that laboratory analyses found contained fur from various animals, including possibly a coyote, gray wolf and raccoon dog." Two of the items sold are shown below.

Image provided by Human Society

Kitson has denied any willful attempt to deceive its customers. While the mislabeling of real fur as "faux fur" may pose many animal rights issues, it is also a serious federal offense. The Fur Products Labeling Act requires all manufacturers of fur garments to include the following information in their labeling:

• The animal name
• The Registered Information Number of the manufacturer 
• The country of origin 

Furthermore, it prohibits the sale and advertising of fur products that have been falsely or deceptively advertised. For a copy of the full act and all the labeling requirements, click here. In addition to the federal standards, manufacturers of fur products must also comply with state business practices. In New York, faux fur is defined as "artificially manufactured fur which is made to resemble real fur but which is not derived from animals." Any violation of this requirement shall be punishable by fines.  

Whatever stance our readers may take on the fur debate, the important legal issue here is labeling. While we here at TFG aren't fans of wearing real fur, consumers should always know what they are purchasing. The underlying policy of the law is to protect the trust of the consumer and ensure the validity of labels. According to the fashion laws, the only thing that should be faux on the faux fur garment is the fur itself. Not the label.