As fashion week faded to black Thursday with the final shows by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs, the stylish affair ended exactly the way it started -- with fur, fur, everywhere, from fox to raccoon to mink.

On opening day, BCBG Max Azria showed off a collection inspired by Istanbul's architecture and the gypsies of southern Europe. Amid the layers of chunky knit sweaters and patterned tunics were knee-length, patterned fur vests and cropped fur jackets.

It's not only real pelts prancing the catwalk. Designers such as Anna Sui, Jeremy Scott and Christian Siriano accented their offerings with faux fur elements.

"This is almost the golden age in fur," said Charles Ross, the Head of International Marketing for Saga Furs. "Our skin prices are going up 20-30% every year."

All this fur fervor raises the question: Is using real animal hide worth the potential controversy?

Read more at CNN.