WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS FUR FREE FRIDAY 2009 - NEW YORK CITY, PT.1 (USA)

The first protest of the day was scheduled for Escada on Fifth Avenue. Escada has been the site of numerous protests in the past and is one of two international campaigns that WAR is supporting (the other is MaxMara).

When activists arrived at Escada, they found barricades, which had not been erected, lining the sidewalk, in front of the storefront. Attending the barricades were a large number of NYPD Officers along with several patrol cars, motorcycles and a couple of arrest vehicles. Needless to say, WAR thought it prudent to leave immediately for other less well attended and unobstructed locations.

Protesters left on foot for Madison Avenue. Just blocks away from Escada the mobile protest crew encountered Coach. Signs and posters were raised along with their voices as they began chanting and distributing literature. No police interference…no pesky barricades…much better!

The group moved north along Madison Avenue and at each location that dared to have fur in their window, a protest was held. At each location, activists were able to get close to shoppers in order to have conversations with them, to explain the horrors of the fur industry and to offer them literature.

Many had questions about the sustainability and the environmental impact of fur having heard the industry advertising campaigns which promote fur as green and eco-friendly. Protesters were happy to set the record straight and to explain the devastating environmental degradation caused by the fur tanning process. Fur is NOT green!

Protests were held at the following:

      Coach
      Roberto Cavalli
      J. Mendel
      Devi Kroell
      Dennis Basso
      MaxMara
      Dennis Basso #2
      Escada

Note: Devi Kroell was a new name for activists who chatted with the sales rep about their use of fur trim and python skin. They were added to the protest schedule as a consequence of their announcement.

The group traveled from location to location with graphic signs of bloody skinned animals shocking many shoppers and pedestrians. Thousands of consumers got a real up close look at what is left when an animal has his or her fur brutally ripped off. Hundreds of flyers and pamphlets were distributed. Any fur wearer who had the misfortune of crossing their path (and there were a few) will not soon forget the experience. Activists are pleased to report that not many wore fur.

Dennis Basso was protested twice and MaxMara got a good long earful from the demonstrators. Upon surmising that their work was done on Madison Avenue, protesters headed south back to Escada. After short and much needed rest, protesters rallied in front of Escada where a full protest was held without police barricades. Again, activists feel that the barricades create an artificial barrier making it harder to communicate with potential shoppers.

Fired up and with renewed vigor, the voices of the activists were raised in unison……Hey Escada, what do you say?…How did you kill your fur today….Gassing, Trapping, Anal Electrocution”. The crowd was largely supportive and many crowded around to get literature and to take pictures of the lively spirited protest. A white banner with pictures of bloody mutilated animals urged shoppers to “BOYCOTT ESCADA”.

Escada is currently in receivership and under protection of the courts in Germany. Amazing that with their chain of stores being so financially unstable that they would continue to defy protesters and their customers who overwhelmingly support more compassionate fashion. “We’ll be back, Escada!”