The Supreme Master Ching Hai
Compassion Increases Popularity of Faux Fur
Sophisticated and elegant, cool and chic, luxurious and warm, faux fur has come a long way since its introduction in the 1920s. Thanks to animal welfare advocates, celebrity endorsements and a heightened consciousness in fashion trends by designers and the public, faux fur is enjoying a regal rise in popularity – most especially in this dawning Golden Age of the 21st century.
In 2012, models proudly wearing animal-friendly synthetic “fur” walked down runways to show the world that the kinder alternative to animal fur is both fashion-forward and a statement against the immense cruelty involved in harvesting fur and skins. With animal rights at the forefront of these shows, compassionate alternatives are being embraced.
South Korea’s First Vegan Faux Fur Fashion Show
On Christmas Day 2012, “Wearing Love,” the first faux fur fashion show in South Korea, was held in the capital city, Seoul.
The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association members from South Korea co-hosted the event with the animal welfare groups People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific and Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE), as well as other non-governmental organizations, all of whom support cruelty-free fashion.
Our Association members worked with S.M. Celestial Clothing, which has a collection of beautiful vegan furs designed by world-renowned humanitarian, artist and spiritual teacher Supreme Master Ching Hai. Often worn by the designer Herself, the exquisite faux fur line adds elegance to one’s outfit while providing warmth and style.
The “Wearing Love” show, which culminated with a scrumptious vegan dinner and charity bazaar, was held in Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel’s Vista Hall in Seoul, which has been the location of many prestigious fashion events. Over 700 guests attended this Christmas Day gathering, including presidential spokesperson Ms. Haeng Kim; director general of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance’s treasury bureau, Mr. Hyung-chul Shin; Grammy Award-winning soprano Ms. Sumi Jo; actress Ms. Hyo-jin Kim; Miss Korea 2010 Sora Jeong; Miss Korea 1998 Jung-min Lee; KBS Production Director Mr. Jae-yeol Lee; MBC Chief Producer Mr. Seong-hoo Jeong and many other celebrities.
The elaborate occasion began with an exhibition of animal photos, vegan bodybuilders’ presentations and an awards-show segment. This was followed by the fashion show itself, with a concert featuring two well-known singers who follow a plant-based diet, Ms. Ha-young Yang and Ms. Hyo-bum Shin.
Awards given that evening honored Korean actress Ms. Hyo-jin Kim’s dedication to animal protection. Ms. Kim also served as PETA’s ambassador for the festivities. Korean singer Ms. Ha-young Yang (vegan) and Miss Koreas Sora Jeong and Jung-min Lee (vegetarians) received Animal Peace Awards from the nation’s animal welfare groups.
Famous Korean designers and major Korean faux fur brands, Insung Hitech, Kyungwon, and Fursmall.com, participated in this exciting event. S.M. Celestial Fashions also presented its line of gorgeous vegan furs designed by Supreme Master Ching Hai, celebrating the first time Her vegan fur collection was showcased on a Korean runway.
Thanks to the many designers and clothing companies, the models looked like angels wearing glamorous vegan fashions and accessories from head to toe.
The media was filled with news of the faux fur fashion show for several days after the event, making it one of the top Korean news stories for Christmas.
To further support our loving animal friends, after the show, a total of four tons of vegan dog food was purchased and donated to five animal shelters and three animal caregivers in need of food for their beloved dog companions. Our Association members pray for the well-being of all of our precious animal co-inhabitants and for peace to encompass our cherished planet.
More information on vegan fur from S.M. Celestial Clothing can be found at www.SMcelestial.com and www.SMcelestial-mag.weebly.com.
