Saturday, November 1, 2008 - Afternoon

ESCADA & FENDI Protests Gear Up Fur Offensive in New York City

Demo #1: Saks Fifth Avenue/Escada Concession

First stop of the afternoon was Saks Fifth Avenue, host to an Escada concession along with numerous other fur killers. Timing was perfect, as Saks windows were full of Escada fashions, with Escada’s name prominently displayed on their Fifth Avenue windows. Many stopped to take pictures of the twenty protesters that were demonstrating against Escada and then took pictures of the Escada windows.

Voices filled the air with chants as activists shouted: “Hey Saks, what do you say, how did you kill your fur today?” and alternately….”Hey Escada, what do you say, how did you kill your fur today?”. All voices raised to proclaim the answer: “Gassing, trapping, anal electrocution”. The protesters distributed leaflets and urged consumers to boycott both Escada and their host Saks Fifth Avenue.

Demo #2: Fendi - Fifth Avenue

Although Fendi is not one of the regular WAR targets, activists were so offended by the disgusting display of animal carcasses in Fendi’s windows that it was decided that a protest was called for. Fendi had several furs representing many animals tortured and killed for their skins in their windows. A banner depicting the bloody fur trade was displayed along with gruesome posters educating consumers about the ugly side to this fashion atrocity.

“Fur Trade, Death Trade” chanted the protesters, as others distributed flyers to all who passed by. Several shoppers were stopped by the protest and after asking some questions and reading the leaflet, most were persuaded not to shop at Fendi. As their eyes moved from the grizzly posters to the beautiful skins in the storefront window, many had their “Oprah light bulb” moment as they finally made the connection between the fur in the window and the bloody mutilated remains of the dead fur bearers.

Demo #3: Escada – Fifth Avenue

The main target of the afternoon was the not very popular Escada flagship store. It is amazing that these folks can remain in business as the store is exceptionally empty most of the time activists are standing at the front door. It is not unusual to see multiple sales and security personnel milling around doing nothing or staring out of the windows as shoppers choose other vendors. It must be boring to work for Escada. One wonders how long they can continue to pay steep Fifth Avenue rent.

Once again, voices were raised in unison. “Stop the Insanity, No blood for vanity”….activists called out. Many flyers were distributed and many tourists stopped to take pictures of the “BOYCOTT ESCADA” banner. Many pledged to join the international campaign to make Escada fur free and vowed not to shop there until they took the fur off of their racks. Activists remained until the doors were locked and the bored sales staff had departed for the day.

Demo #4: Fendi - Fifth Avenue

Fueled by anger and disgust at the ostentatious display of furs in Fendi’s windows, activists decided to forsake their dinner break in order to return to Fendi for a second round. Sales staff and store security are no longer teasing and taunting activists as they are undoubtedly having to answer many questions about why Fendi is the target of an angry mob at their door. The formerly laughing and gleeful employees are no longer laughing.

Activists hold all employees accountable for the blood trade going on behind Fendi’s doors. Each time a shopper exited the store, with the distinctive Fendi shopping bag, they were verbally taken to task by the angry protesters. “Shame on you for shopping at Fendi Fur Murderers!".