Feathers

[TresChic]

This might be necessarily related to vintage but-

I am very inteested in millinery, particularly that involving feathers. I was wondering weither feathers are farmed by plucking live birds, or are birds killed for their feathers?

I just want to be conscientious I suppose and found it hard to find any info through google. This might be necessarily related to vintage but you guys seem to knowledgeable about clothing,etc in general!!

 

[Ookoo]

Currently, most feathers come from chickens or turkeys that are killed for food. The feathers can be dyed or cut to mimic more exotic birds.

The main exception would be ostrich feathers, that are plucked from living domesticated birds.

 

[vertugarde]

Feathers are also taken from pheasant, peacocks, marabou and guinea fowl. Exotic feathers are illegal for use in fashion under international law and many countries have legislation protecting endangered bird species. However, there is a black market in feathers. There are of course recognised cultural exceptions.

Probably the most famous workshop is Lemarie in Paris, which supplies haute- couture designers;

http://tinyurl.com/5hmxd8

 

[TresChic]

some great info, thanks!!

Vertugarde- are pheasents and peacocks killed for thier feathers do you know?

I have seen giant lots on ebay for 20-50 feathers....It just doesn't seem that you could get so many feathers without being cruel.....But they are soooo beautiful!!