Dilan Porzuczek Shows Fashion Students the Excitement of Fur
by Alan Herscovici, Senior Researcher, Truth About FurDilan Porzuczek has a passion for fur — a passion he’s now sharing with a new generation of talented young…
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![Dilan Porzuczek explains patterning](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dilan-Porzuczek-3.jpg)
Dilan Porzuczek has a passion for fur -- a passion he’s now sharing with a new generation of talented young designers.
“I was first invited to do a presentation for the fashion program at Quebec City’s College Notre-Dame-de-Foy several years ago,” says the 28-year-old owner of Fourrures Léopold Martel, a well-established fur store in Jonquiere, about 200 kilometres north of the provincial capital.
“The students could relate to me because I am young, and coming from a retail fashion background I understood their creative interests.
![Students practice fur blocking](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fashion-students-and-Dilan-Porzuczek.jpg)
“It is important that we go into fashion schools because the teachers often aren’t comfortable introducing fur in their classes; they don’t have the information they need to reassure students about their ethical concerns,” says Dilan.
SEE ALSO: The ethics of fur. Truth About Fur.
“Many of the students were anti-fur to start, but they listened when I explained how I had become uncomfortable with the ecological cost of ‘fast fashion’. The younger generation is very conscious and concerned about waste in the fashion industry.
SEE ALSO: What is "vegan fashion" and how true is the hype? Truth About Fur.
![red fox pelt](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dilan-Porzuczek-student.jpg)
“They were really interested to learn about the environmental credentials of fur – that fur is responsibly-produced, natural, long-lasting and recyclable. And that after decades of use you can throw fur into the garden compost. Unlike fake fur or other petroleum-based synthetics that make up 60% of our clothing today, fur is fully biodegradable, it quickly returns to the earth. If we are looking for sustainable clothing, fur checks all the boxes!
SEE ALSO: The sustainability of fur. Truth About Fur.
“At the last seminar we did, in November, I was told that seven teachers but only five students had signed up for the two-day workshop that followed,” says Dilan. “But after my presentation, 30 showed up, so I guess we changed a few minds!
“We had set up blocking boards, and fur machines, and the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec donated some coyotes, fox, beaver and other furs. [Ed.: A "fur machine", as it is known in the trade, is a fur sewing machine to the layman.] We also had some old coats to recycle.
SEE ALSO: 5 great ways to recycle old fur clothing. Truth About Fur.
![Dilan Porzuczek blocking mink coat](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Dilan-Porzuczek-student-working-with-fur.jpg)
“Gathered around a big table, I started by explaining how we use the different furrier’s tools. Then I had them work on their patterns, and that afternoon they were blocking skins and learning how to use a fur machine.
“The second day they were all working on their projects, cutting and sewing fur pelts. Some of the teachers even wanted to learn how to ‘let out’ pelts!
![raccoon hat design](https://www.truthaboutfur.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/raccoon-hat.jpg)
“They didn’t all manage to finish their pieces that weekend, but we followed up with Facebook. Some made accessories, or a small vest, even a bomber jacket ... My only requirement was that they make something different.
“That’s what’s so wonderful about fur – you can really get creative,” says Dilan. “I just love working with fur, and it’s very satisfying when you see young designers catching that excitement!”