To the tune of Wild Thing, a designer at L'Oreal New Zealand Fashion Week sent two tots down the runway in possum masks and tails yesterday and reignited the fur-in-fashion debate.
The Bridget Saunders collection, Fur with Ethics, had the desired effect - on and off the stage.
Outside the Auckland Town
Hall about a dozen protesters disputed the designer's contention that using fur - even from possums - could be ethical.
"We see that as an oxymoron. Animal rights activists don't find it ethical at all," said Michael Wise, a spokesman for Auckland Animal Action.
His group brandished placards with gruesome images of skinned animals.
Inside, the media and buyers chortled as the pre-school boys shyly shimmied in the glare of lights. What followed was a zoo, as models in possum fur clothes paraded with a live magpie, St Bernard dogs, ferrets and a rat.
The Saunders range, part of the New Generation group show, overshadowed other designers' streetwear on a day when fur - both fake and possum - was used in several other shows, mirroring contentious trends overseas.
"Pests on the catwalk, not in our native bush," said an overhead projection as the child possums fronted with "Protect our Forests" written on their chests and then turned to show "From Us" on their backs.
The message cut no ice with the protesters, who said Ms Saunders, once a member of the group, was now blacklisted.
"I don't think they're nutty extremists, they're idealists - when the kiwi birds and chicks are being eaten," said the designer, wearing a possum vest and ugg boots. "Possums are like a gang of hooligans in the forest."
She will be hoping, as will other designers - including established names Paula Ryan and Caroline Moore - that the buying public shares their views about fur garments.
Retailers with stands at Fashion Week's trade show will also be following the reaction with interest.
Possum garments have been a drawcard with the mainly Australian buyers and the infant industry is hoping it can convince fur sceptics that New Zealand's clean, green image could benefit from turning a pest into a value-added export commodity.
* Fashion Week continues with the public day tomorrow. For the inside story on Fashion Week, see the Weekend Herald and Viva next Wednesday.
