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Dear Editor, Like many people I find the use of animal fur in fashion very distasteful. While far from militant on the issue I am amazed by the general acceptance of the return of fur. Fashion magazines that once restricted its use in photo shoots are once again treating it as just another luxury product and reinstating it as a status symbol. Designers are leaping on to the bandwagon and models that campaigned against fur on the grounds of its inhumanity are exposing themselves as hypocrites. Perhaps it is naïve to show surprise at the fickle fashion industry but I genuinely believed the issue was exempt from the endless cycle of trend and counter trend. As a new magazine that aims to focus on fashion in a critical way I wondered if Selvedge had any plans to cover the subject? Erik Salholme

Ed: We will be focusing on fur in a future issue, presenting all sides of the argument. Basil Kardasis, visiting professor at the Royal College of Art, Design Director of Saga Furs in Scandinavia and creator of an alternative ‘pain free’ fur fabric, will be participating in a Selvedge panel discussion next year along with fashion designers, buyers and retailers. We would like Selvedge readers to participate and will be gathering your views and questions on this controversial subject. Please write or email your comments to the usual address. •••

Dear Editor, Can you tell me who designed Bjork’s dress for her performance at the opening ceremony of the Olympics? Grace Katz

Dear Editor, I just got my first glimpse of Selvedge 01, a friend gave me her copy…I would never part with it…it’s a saver, a masterpiece. As I was doing yoga this morning I smelled the fresh cut grass, and thought of the green article. I am just at the beginning of the magazine. I want to take it slowly and drink deeply but I shall subscribe immediately. I have thought about the amount of energy, ambition, vision and sheer will it must have taken to get it off the ground. Again – a masterpiece. A great gift to the fiber community…it will feed our souls. Pat Klein

Ed: Thank you for your enthusiam, support and most of all your subscription! Without the support of subscribers a small publishing company such as ourselves would not exist. We read every letter and really appreciate your comments. •••

We are happy to publish letters, unusual queries and undertake research that will be of interest to our readers. Please send intriguing questions or answers to editor@selvedge.org

Athens, August 13. Bjork performing during the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Ed: Yes, Bjork, famous for her unique sartorial style and affection for swans, performed Oceania, a song from her new instrument free album Medulla, wearing a gown designed by Sophie Kolosalaki. The dress composed of ruched and layered silks in shades of blue extended in shimmering waves of fabric across the athletes gathered below until it resembled a huge body of water. Kolosalaki studied at the University of Athens. In 1997 she came to London and completed a Masters degree in fashion design at Central St. Martins College of Fashion. Kolosalaki is renowned for her simple but beautifully finished clothes. Her collections, which often feature drapery, maintain a link to her Greek heritage, a fact which makes her popular at home and no doubt brought her to the attention of the Greek Olympic commmittee. •••

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