RL Picks: Faux Animal Fabric for your Home

With the trend tides flowing towards bold and brash animal skins and patterns, there are PETA-friendly alternatives that mimic the look and feel of the originals. Faux animal skins in the form of synthetic leather or animal-print fabrics are also more versatile and affordable in terms of material treatment -- it can be turned into throws, upholstery, pillowcases and it can even be wrapped entirely around a whole piece of furniture, like a table.

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Embossed Crocodile Skin

Authentic croc skin, typically of saltwater crocodile, is graded according to the size of the belly, the markings, and flawlessness (it must have no cuts or blemishes). Similar to snakeskin, dyed faux croc fabric is crafted from suede vinyl and has polyester or cotton-polyester backing. The characteristic croc pattern is embossed to recreate the real thing. 

Zebra

It is quite difficult to produce a flawless hide from zebras because they often retain marks. Though there are real Zebra hides (often made into rugs), most of the black and white striped print fabrics available are faux and are made of cotton, rayon, or a cotton duck base cloth. Fabrics can go from thick to sheer.

Read the original article ("Run, Don't Hide") in the October 2008  issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.