They are the Manolo Blahnik Cava Fur Trim boot.
It's not bad enough that they are ugly and make you look like something out of 1 Million Years B.C. (and not in a good way like Raquel here).
No, the worst part is that the fur element, which is bad enough, is ocelot fur.
Ocelots are endangered species.*
Endangered because of loss of habitat and due to hunting them for their fur. Supposedly they are legally protected. I'm not sure how the Manolo Blahnik company was able to get fur for these boots.
I know I talk a lot about shoes on here most of which are made of leather. This is a transition I am personally working through.
But I put fur on another level altogether. And the fact that this fur comes from a threatened species just makes it all the worse.
I have written a letter to Manolo Blahnik via the contact form on their site addressing my displeasure and disgust at this practice. I also think I will be taking an additional step.
I will be boycotting Manolo Blahnik.
I hope I get some sort of response from the company. I'm not sure if I will or not. I suggested they recall the boots. Will they? I don't know. I'd like to hope so.
I'll let you know what they say.
If you want to write to them, the easiest way is to use the contact form on the site. Let's see if we can reach them!
UPDATE: Ocelots are officially listed as "Near Threatened" with their population trend as "Decreasing" by the IUCN Red List. However, the use of this animal's skin and fur could potentially still violate the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is being looked at by a lawyer, so more info to come.
15 comments:
Manolofail.
LOL @anonymous
Agreed
I'm so glad you wrote to them! I'm definitely boycotting Blahnik as well. This is awful :(
unforgivable. the fact that this is a well-respected company sets the example for other businesses, and makes consumers feel that this practice must be fine. I never buy from companies that still use fur.
Thank you so much for posting this. I will also be contacting and boycotting Manolo Blahnik!
This is a pretty serious shoe protest if it has been endorsed by Princess Poochie. I am impressed. And I had no idea.
As a professional in the industry as well as fellow blogger, I would caution you to not be so quick to judge. Many fashion houses use synthetic, stamped and dyed fur. Also, the adorable animal is only endagered in a few areas - one of which, is not Italy - where Manolos are made. I would take several more things into consideration before being so rash.
I admire you so much. This is the first time I read your blog and I'm already impressed. I love fashion but fur? No. Thanks for writing them.
That is awful, I am disgusted! Thank you for pointing this out!
To Anonymous (#2)
Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your thoughts. I would love to have a dialogue with you with you and under your real name.
Right now I am going under the information provided on the product via the BG website and through the Manolo representative. The BG site says natural ocelot fur. The rep says it is stamped rabbit. I've asked for clarification and have tried to keep the information here as accurate as possible and up to date with what I am learning.
For me, I hate fur. In my mind it is worse than leather - whether the animal is threatened or bred for this end. Even if the animal is not endangered there, the demand for the skins of exotic animals like cats, etc., encourages the poaching trade. Plus becuase all of the value is in the animal's skin and fur they are often killed in a very inhumane way to preserve the integrity of the animal. There are some horrible behind the scenes videos that document this.
I may be rash, but it is something I have been against since I was 5 or 6 years old and I learned about the Canadian seal hunt. I am still aginst it and hope to see fur eliminated in my time.
Plus, I have still not received a good answer from Manolo. I will present their information when given. But on my site and with my dollars I will also share my beliefs and intentions.
Thank you!
Well written post. Killing an endangered animal just to use it's fur for shoes or clothes is atrocious. I salute you for bringing this out in the open. More power! :)
good for you for standing up for what you believe in.
OMG, I just found out your post and am so disappointed with what the MB firm is doing.
Thank you for your very well written post and for keeping us informed of the answers you receive (or not).
I hope they will stop using fur on their shoes, they really don't need this.
Still no word from the company verifying the type of fur, etc? That silence speaks volumes to me....
I have contacted Manolo as well, they said it is rabbit... but Neiman Marcus M insist it is Natural ocelot fur and they said it is what their BUYER told them... confused.
It is not whether human should use animal fur or not, the thing is I am in love with Manolo shoes and thought the designer should be knowing what they are doing. This whatever ocelot fur looking trim downgraded manolo's reputation... sad.
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