The Humane Society tracks progress through a growing list of designers and companies that have adopted fur-free policies.

CNN: Vegan couture: Faux meets fabulous

"It's a great audience for us to get our message in front of, " said Michelle McDonald, outreach manager of the Humane Society's fur-free campaign, which sponsored Jay McCarroll's runway show in 2006 and Charlotte Ronson in 2008.

CNN: Vegan couture: Faux meets fabulous

"I have a yellow lab and I'm always picking up free fur, " she says.

WSJ: Knitting and Weaving Artisans Embrace 'Chiengora' Yarn From Dog Hair

"A long free fall is more chance for my ears to come off or for the fur to blow in my face, " he explains.

WSJ: Before He Can Hop,This Easter Bunny Has to Fly

Joshua Katcher, who crafted the animal-free men's shoes for Vaute's presentation, said the use of leather and fur is tough to rationalize now because of the technological advances of faux products.

CNN: Fur on the catwalk: Is it worth the controversy?

Families who have already weaned themselves off the grid, or opted, when possible, for public transport, veganism, non-exploitation of native species, refusing to wear leather, fur, or exploit animals in any way, need to be rewarded for their benign, cruelty-free (or nearly free) environmental altruism.

FORBES: Correcting President Obama's Myriad Tax Fallacies