Re: Natural fur
I think most people object to real fur if the animal was killed just for that reason. It's a vile trade.
I once asked my brother's Russian fiancee whether she wore fur during the harsh Russian Winters, and she replied that fur coats are a must for most women in Russia, even fake fur. They have worn furs for hundreds of years. She said it is the aim of every women over there to own an expensive fur coat, preferably Sable, but only the very rich can afford to have a Sable coat.
Those who cannot afford a fur coat, have to put several layers of clothes on underneath their normal coats, but wearing a fur coat means they can go out in minus 30 just wearing a t-shirt underneath.
She also told me that the worse thing for any woman over there is to be caught standing next to another woman wearing the same fur coat ! just as we would with an outfit over here.
I, of course, resisted from telling her my thoughts, and those of most British, regarding the wearing of fur, as I didn't wish to offend her.
Furs, unfortunately, are something they wear on the streets of Moscow and Petersburg every day during winter.