Isko’s newest innovation follows the anti-fur movement that has swept across the luxury fashion sector.
The denim mill debuted Isko Wild this week, “the first-in-the-world denim fur” program that poses no harm to animals or their environment.
The company achieves the hairy look and feel to cotton and cotton/wool blends through an exclusive technology. And unlike other faux furs, it does not release microplastics into the environment. “Despite attempts of imitations Isko Wild is a one-of-a-kind concept in the industry,” the mill said.
The fabric innovation is the result from Isko’s Responsible Innovation approach to design, which is based on creativity, competence and citizenship, the mill stated. Isko Wild “reflects the company’s commitment to making both the world and the industry better.”
Isko Wild is available in both indigo and RFD fabrics—which falls right in line for the Fall/Winter 20-21 demand for colorful fleece outerwear, teddy bear jackets and faux fur coat in both the women’s and men’s markets.
Denim fur has been an area of interest for Isko for some time.
In 2018, the mill worked with designer Tiziano Guardini to develop denim fur, which caught the attention of Milan Fashion Week attendees. The pieces were developed at the Creative Room, Isko’s Italian denim and design hub, and were made using certified organic cotton and pre-consumer recycled cotton. The same year, Isko teamed with designer Ksenia Schnaider to create a bespoke fur fabric that involved shredding and washing the denim to create the fluffy effect.
And brands are seeking alternatives to fur as it falls out of favor with the fashion industry and conscious consumers concerned with animal welfare. San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban fur this year. Meanwhile, New York City is considering its own move against the animal-derived material.
Fur is rapidly fading with conscious designers and consumers. Luxury brands, including Prada, Chanel, Burberry and Versace have all abandoned fur in recent years, as have high-end digital retailers like Yoox Net-a-Porter and Farfetch. Macy’s cancelled most types of fur in October, and SMCP, the Paris-based owner of Claudie Perlot, Maje and Sandro, announced plans to ensure fur doesn’t make it into any new collections.