Hilgart knows there is a market for animal-free fashion among people like her, vegan or not, who take conscious consumerism to an active level.

CNN: Vegan couture: Faux meets fabulous

But some see the interest in fake animal material in fashion as simply the trickle down effect from more of the real thing appearing on runways.

CNN: Vegan couture: Faux meets fabulous

Even if interest in animal-free fashion might be greater than ever, in the same way that more people are willing to go vegan or pay extra for locally made products, trend forecasters say there's a greater interest in looks incorporating fur and leather, which will be reflected on the runway this season.

CNN: Vegan couture: Faux meets fabulous

Burberry is Britain's biggest fashion house, but has faced criticism from animal rights campaigners like PETA because of its policies on the use of fur.

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