Mink coat once epitomizing the height of luxury and elegance has lost its sheen today. As Laura Sophie Cox, a British celebrity and editorial stylist told the Independent “Mink coats have become obsolete.”

In late November, Denmark saw bloated bodies of millions of mink culled on government orders earlier that month because of fears of a potentially vaccine-resistant Covid mutation, rose out of the ground like zombies. As a result of the cull, the world’s largest fur auction house, Kopenhagen Fur, announced closure. Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are selling off the last of their coats so they can close their fur salons. A year ago, California passed a ban on the sale of new fur products, effective in 2023. Many luxury brands, including Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Versace, have banned fur.

In fact, the Row’s $23,900 shaved mink coat, available at Bergdorf Goodman, is from several seasons ago. And the fur trade is banned in Britain, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. The Netherlands is scheduled to shut down its fur farms by 2024, and France by 2025. Even for those who still love fur, the mink coat has lost its appeal. With millions out of work, the public has turned against extravagant displays of wealth.

While there are still many who buy fur and mink coats, consumers, especially younger consumers, are increasingly demanding fur-free clothing, points out Sarah Willersdorf, global head of luxury at Boston Consulting Group. BCG’s True Luxury survey, too had reported that animal welfare is the most important ethical or environmental consideration for consumers, with half considering it a minimum criteria when buying a product.

For those unwilling to give up completely on their family heirlooms are looking for something less in-your-face opulent.