Minsk residents in fur: vintage mink or a bold eco-mix?
Just 20 years ago, natural fur was a symbol of luxury and status. But in the mid-2010s, eco-friendly fur coats began to conquer the catwalks, and a real turnaround occurred in 2018: Armani and Gucci were followed by Versace, Burberry, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, and Prada – all of whom officially renounced natural fur. This revolutionized fashionistas’ views: fur went from a glamorous accessory to a sign of outdated consumerism.
Modern technologies have made eco-fur coats almost indistinguishable from real ones – soft, warm, durable, and comfortable to wear.
However, not all marketers acknowledge that the primary material of these eco-friendly fur coats is synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester, derivatives of petrochemicals—plastic. Their production consumes energy, uses toxic chemicals for dyeing, and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It’s not killing animals, but it’s not a victory over nature, either.
By the way, untreated natural fur is biodegradable, unlike its acrylic counterpart.
In 2025, real fur is back in fashion—not new, but vintage: mink coats from grandma’s chest are now flaunted as bold statement pieces. Karakul, mink, arctic fox, hare—they’re all in fashion.
What do Moscow residents prefer: real fur or synthetics? Let’s ask.
“I love natural fur. I have two mink coats: the one I’m wearing now and a short fur coat. They’re very comfortable to wear. I wear them in rain and sleet, and I store them with all my other clothes,” Alesya said. “The short fur coat is 20 years old, but it looks like new. My hat is also mink; it’s 15 years old.”
Alesya agrees that high-quality eco-fur coats are being made these days. She says they’re sometimes indistinguishable from the real thing. However, she prefers time-tested materials.
“My grandchildren will be able to wear my fur coat, or they can make mittens out of it,” the interviewee laughs.
Polina prefers eco-fur. She says it’s ethical, warm, and affordable.
“The eco-friendly fur coat was a gift from my husband. I’ve never had a natural one, and I probably never will. I don’t think it’s necessary,” she explains. “I wear a fur coat when I want to feel special.”
Svetlana Arkadyevna’s fur maxi coat is impossible to miss on the street. She said she fell in love with the raccoon coat at first sight.
“She was just right for me. I asked the girls at the checkout to put some aside, and I ran home to get the money. I really liked her,” the pensioner shares.
She also has a mink coat in her wardrobe. Svetlana Arkadyevna wears it when the temperature outside drops to -10°C.
“Finally got the raccoon out of the closet. I bought it in the 2000s, but I haven’t worn it for five years—there haven’t been any severe frosts. I thought I’d never get one, but this year I got lucky,” the Minsk resident noted.
Svetlana Arkadyevna doesn’t pay attention to eco-friendly fur coats. Her two are enough.
Milana saw a pink fur coat in a store and couldn’t resist. When she bought it, she didn’t even think about whether it was real.
“I’d never worn fur before, and I didn’t want to. But I instantly fell in love with this coat. I generally prefer warm and practical jackets,” Milana said. “I don’t think a fur coat is a commitment, and I wear mine with absolutely everything: jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings.”
Just when we were wondering if men wear fur coats, we saw Herman in furs.
“This fur coat is from our Belarusian brand. I love their stuff; I bought T-shirts and hoodies. They started making fur coats this winter, but I didn’t have a jacket. So I decided to take a chance,” he explains. “I feel great in it, but people give me sideways glances. It’s not as big a deal in Minsk, but when I go to Mogilev—my hometown—everyone gives me really close looks.”
While conducting this survey, we noticed that one in five fashionistas sports a fur coat or overcoat with a fluffy frill. Fur is a winter hit, providing genuine warmth without compromise. The older generation opts for the classics—natural furs—while younger generations flirt with eco-friendly options—not for ethical reasons (although that exists), but simply because they’re stylish, affordable, and striking.
Which team are you on: mink forever or eco-revolution?
Publised at Times.by
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