Anna Tagliabue has been a voice for faux fur for many years. From working at Fendi to create her own luxury brand while campaigning for a fur free future, her expertise is precious.
Anna has now a passion for artificial intelligence : a passion that she shares on her amazing Instagram account : @pelushnyc
She kindly accepted to reply few of our questions and share her invaluable insights.
Anna Tagliabue during première Vision in Paris
Anna, you have been a faux fur enthusiast for decades what made you fell in love with the material ?
Throughout my journey spanning over three decades as a fervent faux fur enthusiast, the spark ignited within me at the prestigious Fendi fur salon on 5th Ave where I used to work. It was there that I witnessed Karl Lagerfeld's masterful creation, a faux fur coat, a breathtaking imitation of sheared mink in captivating ombre' colors. This coat, mirroring the allure of genuine fur yet surpassing it in opulence, triggered a profound realization.
In that moment, a question echoed in my mind: why subject beautiful animals to suffering and death when we possess the capability to replicate their elegance without harm? This pivotal question set me on a quest, a meticulous 18-year exploration for alternative fabrics that could match the standards set by Fendi.
As fate would have it, while serving as a personal shopper at Prada on Madison Avenue, I experienced an epiphany that reignited my curiosity in faux fur technology. The long-awaited moment had arrived. The faux fur technology had finally reached the standards I sought. The challenge now was where to begin.
Guided by a dear friend of mine, haute couture fashion designer, Antonio Grimaldi, in Dubai, I learned the intricacies of the fashion industry, from initiation to ordering. His mentorship and inspiration fueled my passion for designing the most beautiful faux furs in the world. A few weeks later, in Paris, everything fell into place, and from that moment on, I never looked back.
This journey symbolizes not only a personal evolution but also a commitment to a compassionate vision within the fashion industry. It reflects my unwavering belief that beauty can be crafted without causing harm, a philosophy I carry forward in every Pelush design (Anna’s faux fur label). The intersection of technology, mentorship, and sheer determination has allowed me to redefine luxury, proving that elegance need not come at the expense of innocent lives.
digital création by Anna
You have taken an exciting new direction developing incredible AI content on your social medias. Can you tell us a little more about this ?
Creating traditional fashion involves a multitude of costly processes, encompassing textile sourcing, pattern making, production, runway shows, makeup and hair artists, models, assistants, marketing, sales, administration, travel, and more. Establishing my brand, Pelush, allowed me to emphasize the value of this industry through a tangible product, identity, and mission statement. However, the advent of digital fashion now offers an avenue for realizing creative visions without the financial burdens associated with physical production.
The significance of digital fashion lies in its sustainability, providing an eco-friendly alternative by reducing the environmental impact linked with traditional manufacturing. This resonates with the growing environmental consciousness in the fashion industry. Furthermore, digital fashion enables designers to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional designs that may be impractical or impossible in the physical realm.
Beyond that, digital fashion aligns with the evolving preferences of a digital-savvy audience. Virtual garments, showcased in augmented reality or shared on social media, cater to the desire for self-expression without the need for physical possession. This shift reflects the pursuit of unique and ephemeral experiences in the digital age.
In addition to its creative freedom and environmental benefits, digital fashion contributes significantly to inclusivity. By challenging traditional beauty standards, virtual models and avatars can represent a diverse range of identities, fostering a more inclusive and representative vision of beauty and fashion.
The importance of digital fashion lies in its sustainability, creative freedom, alignment with digital consumer habits, and its potential to promote inclusivity and diversity within the fashion industry.
digital création by Anna
Sustainability, animal welfare, metaverse, so many notions that fashion has to incorporate in its creative process. As an expert in the field of faux fur, how do you see the future of the sector ? and that of fashion in general?
Embracing my identity as a forward-thinking trendsetter in the dynamic world of fashion, my exploration of the faux fur industry initially captivated me with its progressive strides. Witnessing the industry's evolution, where we can now flawlessly replicate nature and even forge new possibilities, fueled my excitement. However, my innate curiosity led me down a sobering path, uncovering the immense suffering inflicted upon animals in the fur industry. This revelation propelled me to adopt a vegan lifestyle and counteract cruelty through the creation of a visually stunning alternative.
Yet, my curiosity didn't cease there; it interwove with a broader concern—the intricate connection to climate change. Devoting eight hours a day for weeks, delving into peer-reviewed journals and absorbing diverse perspectives from global experts, I immersed myself in understanding the profound impact of climate change. This journey mirrored the emotional stages I experienced when learning about animal suffering: disbelief, anger, depression, acceptance, and grief.
Motivated by this newfound knowledge, I made a decisive shift, halting Pelush production and meticulously crafting a capsule collection from recycled fabrics. Rejecting contributions to environmental destruction, I ventured into digital fashion, instantly falling in love with its potential. In envisioning a future where rising global temperatures demand human adaptation, I see fashion spearheading transformative changes in manufacturing.
Nanotechnology emerges as a key ally, facilitating the creation of garments adaptable to shifting environments while providing protection against extreme temperatures. I firmly believe that the fashion industry's focus should pivot towards sustainable practices, with digital fashion leading the charge to reduce emissions and enhance overall quality of life.