Furry Friends

It's no secret that I LOVE fur. But this I can't deal with. British based brand RP/Encore has taken wearing "animals" to a level BEYOND my fur-wearing dreams---and not in a good way. Their new collection is a medley of jewelry and accessories made out of preserved rat heads, guinea pig feet, pigeon feathers, and whole mice. The handy-work of British taxidermist Reid Peppard (who ironically is a vegetarian), The V/ermin Collection is comprised of hairpieces, brooches, necklaces, cufflinks, bow ties, and coin purses.

“RP/ENCORE challenges our attitudes towards fur, leather, and waste,” Peppard states. “In a world where leather is worn with out question by most, and replaced by unbiodegradable plastics by the rest, it is ironic that the image of an animal preserved using taxidermy is still enough to cause widespread outrage and fist banging.”

I am all for championing new ideas in fashion...but I'll be damned if this is a moment I will ever get into. Rats are for subway stations, not to be stationed a top my head. What are you thinking? Need Feedback.---J. Dwayne Joseph