With the Humane Society of Grand Valley State University set to hold its biggest event ever Friday night, no fur will be flying on the cruelty-free catwalk.

The Compassion in Fashion Show, which takes place at 8:30 p.m. in the Grand River Room of Kirkhof Center, will showcase chic, animal product-free fashions designed to be a hit with two-legged and four-legged fans alike.

“The goal of the fashion show is pretty much to show people how easy it is to be a compassionate consumer and use products that aren’t tested on animals, as well as dress in products that aren’t animal products,” said event organizer Lexi Croswell, a member of the Humane Society of GVSU. “It’s just meant to be a fun and informative event to show people some of the options they can use.”

The highlight of the night is a full runway show featuring local retailers’ clothing and accessories, all made from non-animal sources. The show will also include original cruelty-free clothing designed and modeled by the GVSU Fashion Club.

“One of our members, Chelsea Bashore, has really been the main designer for this show,” said Fashion Club President Megan Malone. “She has made a dress out of trash bags and pages of Nylon magazine. She also has made several headbands out of yarn and plastic bags that look great. She is really talented and is very creative with her designs.”

Malone said she wants students to appreciate the message behind the designs as well.

“I hope that the audience becomes more aware of animal cruelty-free clothing,” she said. “I want everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves while learning about what the HSGVSU does as well as the Fashion Club. I want people to see both clubs as ones that are striving to make a positive impact on GVSU and the students that go here.”

In addition to the runway show, the event will also feature a variety of stations. At the fur testing station, HSGVSU members will demonstrate three tricks to decipher real fur from faux fur, and guests are invited to bring their own wardrobe items to be tested. The nonprofit organization Coats for Cubs will accept donations of any fur garments, which will then be used at wildlife reconditioning centers to provide comfort to orphaned baby animals.

The current animal legislation table will present information on the newest state and federal animal cruelty laws, including the new Truth in Fur labeling act. The humane shopper station will offer samples of humane cosmetics and products and a list of designers who have made a commitment to fur-free retail.

Lastly, a raffle to benefit the Kent County Animal Shelter and West Michigan Critter Haven will include prizes from Urban Decay, Kiss My Face, the Humane Society, Starbucks and other retailers. Tickets will cost $1 each.

Currently, more than 230 guests are confirmed to attend on the event’s Facebook page. Croswell said HSGVSU hopes to fill the Grand River Room’s 250-person capacity.

“We’re going to have some incentives for people to come early, like giftbags, hopefully,” she said.

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