Fur and leather jackets have long been respected in fashion circles as undisputed wardrobe staples. From rough-and-tumble biker fashion to Hollywood glamour, the leather jacket has been a favourite amongst those who enjoy luxurious warmth with a rebellious edge. And the fur coat just oozes an opulence that is at once flashy and at the same time, a little earthy and rustic.
Historically, both fur and leather have symbolised status and sophistication, however their esteem dropped as awareness of animal rights grew. Nowadays, the relationship the fashion industry has with leather and fur is different. While they are still available for purchase, many fashion lovers prefer to opt for cruelty-free alternatives, in the form of vegan leather jackets and faux fur coats. Adding to the allure of doing no harm, these faux jackets are usually cheaper and easier to care for than the genuine article, so it’s an all round win-win for Australian fashion lovers.
When looking for animal-friendly jackets for women, you can’t go past vegan leather and faux fur jackets in autumn and winter. Before we look at what’s stylish right now, let’s look at the history of fur and leather in fashion, and the swing towards synthetic versions.
Prestigious to Practical - Fur and Leather in Fashion History
It’s hard to say exactly when humans began to wear fur and leather, but there’s little doubt these animal-derived materials were used in garments in ancient times. After all, there were likely no alternatives that offered anything near to the warmth and durability that fur and leather offered.
Wind the clock forward to the 20th century, and fur and leather came to symbolise a certain level of affluence. A fur or leather piece was a major feature of a wardrobe. In the 1950s, the fur coat was quite the status symbol, and ladies wore them out to glamorous events, alongside their best jewellery. Leather jackets also had their place as a status symbol, in a different way. Popularised in Hollywood films in the 1950s-1970s, and being the beloved uniform of free-spirited bikies, leather jackets and coats brought an edgy dimension to a woman’s personal style, and signified that they liked to go against the grain.
Despite rising concerns about animal rights, the fur and leather look remained in demand. Thankfully, there was a suitable alternative available, in the form of faux leather jackets and fake fur jackets and coats. These offered the opportunity to look that little bit special, without doing any harm, and people have thus far, lapped up the synthetic option!
The Swing Towards Faux: Fashion with a Conscience
Whilst fashion designers have been including faux leather and fur materials in their designs since the 1940s, it was in the ‘90s and 2000s that the faux animal skin movement really gained traction. A pioneer in animal-friendly fashion, Stella McCartney, popularly introduced cruelty-free collections that intentionally left out leather and fur. She introduced high-end fashion items, (with price tags to match), that weren’t animal sourced. Since then, fashion brands all over the world have embraced synthetic leather and fur in their designs—not only because of the ethical benefits, but also due to the versatility and style available.
Vegan Leather at Femme Connection
At Femme Connection, our vegan leather jackets and coats are made predominantly from polyurethane (PU), a synthetic material designed to look and feel like genuine leather. PU is lightweight, durable, and has a soft, slightly stretchy texture—making it ultra-comfortable to wear and perfect for layering through Australia’s mild winters and cool nights.
From timeless biker cuts to edgy trench styles, our faux leather jackets are perfect for adding that sleek, fashion-forward edge to any outfit. The cropped biker jacket remains a favourite for pairing with denim and boots, while our longer trench-inspired coats offer a chic silhouette for work or weekend wear.
Faux Suede Jackets: Velvety Cool
For those who love texture, faux suede jackets at Femme Connection are a dream. These jackets emulate the velvety finish of traditional suede but are crafted from synthetic microfibres that feel soft to the touch and keep you warm. They’re stylish and versatile—great for dressing up or down. Look out for trending shades like cinnamon, olive, and neutral tones, as well as statement pieces with animal prints.
Faux Fur Jackets & Teddy Jackets at Femme Connection: Snuggle Meets Style
Few things scream “luxury” like a plush faux fur coat. At Femme Connection, we’re all about delivering cosy glamour. Our faux fur and teddy jackets are made from high-quality polyester blends that mimic the softness of real fur—without the guilt.
Cropped faux fur jackets add a playful edge to your winter look, while longer coats and teddy jackets offer maximum warmth and sophistication. The teddy trend, in particular, has become a staple in Aussie winter wardrobes, with its cosy texture and relaxed silhouette.
Our faux fur jacket favourites also include reversible jackets and check-pattern teddy styles—perfect for those who want to stay ahead of the trend while keeping snug in a fluffy jacket.
What’s Trending Now?
In 2025, the colour palette is all about earthy tones and rich neutrals. Think warm browns, camel, deep olive, dusty rose, and classic black. At Femme Connection, our current faux leather and suede styles reflect these trends, with sleek black biker jackets and soft tan trench coats flying off the shelves.
For faux fur and teddy jackets, we’re loving creamy whites, soft pinks, and checkered designs that mix classic winter patterns with modern shapes.
Style, Warmth & Peace of Mind
There’s no need to sacrifice ethics for style—or style for warmth. Whether you're after the cool edge of a biker jacket, the lush comfort of a teddy coat, or the timeless elegance of a faux suede trench, Femme Connection’s range of faux outerwear delivers on all fronts. These jackets aren’t just fashion statements—they’re feel-good choices for you and the planet.
So as the temps dip across Australia, wrap yourself in comfort and step out with confidence. Faux never looked so real.
Jackets for Women at Femme Connection
This winter, we know you’ll be loving fake fur jackets for women and vegan leather jackets and coats, however let’s not forget about some other cold weather favourites. Puffer jackets are a must-have wardrobe item for when temperatures drop. They are ultra warm, super cosy, and have street cred. This year, our puffer jackets include quilted and reversible styles.
And we also have cute denim jackets that are wearable in any season. Our collection includes printed and embroidered denim, pastel and white denim, as well as plain blue denim. Choose according to your preference!