Rawr Girls Interview: The Designer Behind Australian Brand Unreal Fur!

Our friends at The Dressing Room recently introduced us to the awesome Australian brand Unreal Fur, which they're stocking this autumn/winter. Jade & I both big fans of faux fur and we couldn't help but swoon all over the lookbook pictures we were sent. We were lucky enough to interview the brand's talented designer, Gilat Shani. Read on to find out all about this fabulous brand...

Why did you start Unreal Fur?

Unreal Fur was born out of a love of design and all things beautiful, alongside a growing concern about the ethics behind the fashion industry. I started working with faux fur materials 15 years ago, developing accessories for some of Australia’s major retailers. With the advances technology has made resulting in higher quality, lush and diverse faux furs, it was time to start my own brand. It’s also a fantastic creative release!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I source inspiration from anywhere and everywhere! I look to nature – from farm animals to wild creatures and wilderness. I love to attend music festivals and “people-watch” their diverse, creative patrons. And of course my team of wonderful free-spirited staff – each with their own personal style!

We've been swooning over some of your current styles, do you have a favourite?

Thank you! Hearing that people from all around the world love our range never gets old. My personal favourite is the Wanderlust Coat, I love to wear it as a dress with printed tights and boots – or belted for a winter glam look.

Are there any particular trends we should be looking out for this A/W?

Patchworking will be big this season. Mixing and matching different faux furs, from texture to colour to pile length! We’ve subtly tied this trend into our range through the use of teaming up different furs in the one piece, for example our Raven coat plays on varying textures with faux fur imitation rabbit and tiered medium length pile black faux fur. 

Another big trend we see is metallic – the perfect magical touch to any outfit and is sure to bring out the feminine spirit in all women.

Who are your celebrity style icons?

To be honest, we admire any celebrity or designer that pledges fur-free – one of my personal favourites though would be Stella McCartney.

Tell us something we don't know about Unreal Fur!

One, that each and every Unreal Fur piece is cut individually by hand! And two, that my beautiful Golden Retriever, Cosma, is a daily contributor to my team and inspiration! He comes to the office with me every day and is a constant reminder that we are working towards a greater cause and that each and every person can make small steps to create change.

Thank you Gilat for answering our questions! We desperately want to get our paws on some of her incredible creations, her combination of passion and talent has created the most gorgeous faux fur brand out there.

The new Unreal Fur collection launched yesterday at The Dressing Room, if you do end up buying a piece, please let us know! Do you have a favourite style?

T - Eyeing up the Furry Floss jacket... XoX