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Why Harry Styles' penchant for feather boas concerns animal activists

Big W says it has had increased demand for feather boas in the wake of Harry Styles' Australian tour. (Reuters: Henry Nicholls)

Harry Styles is coming to the end of his Australian tour, leaving behind not just memories of his skin-tight leather pants. 

Feathers were left strewn throughout the stadiums and the streets of cities where the UK pop star visited.

It has prompted calls from animal activists for consumers to have a greater awareness of the origins of their new-found fashion items.

The feather boa industry has had its biggest boom in recent times thanks to Styles' preference for the fluffy accessory and Pride celebrations.

National retailer Big W said sales had surged.

"With the arrival of Harry Styles in Australia on his concert tour and World Pride celebrations in swing, searches for feather boas on BIG W's website have increased by 394 per cent and sales increased by 114 per cent in the past two weeks, with pink proving to be everyone's top pick," a spokesperson said.

Feathers littered the streets of where Harry Styles performed.  (ABC Rural: Lucy Cooper)

Boutique retailers said they experienced a rise in sales too.

"We assume they're all going to Harry Styles fans and in all bright colours, which seems to be the trend," online feather retailer Shelly Molony said.

Sourcing the feathers

Styles' penchant for the accessory has sparked fresh conversation about the ethics of the feather boa.

Ms Molony, who offers three boa styles, said turkey feathers were most common along with a smaller range of ostrich boas.

She said she had not come across synthetic boas, so she imported the feathers.

"The feathers we get are a by-product from the animals either being used for meat or, as for the ostrich, they're also used for the oil and leather as well," she said.

Ms Molony said it was a conscious decision to purchase by-product feathers.

"Obviously we don't want any animals to be harmed just to get their feathers, so they're all animals that are consumed on a daily basis," she said.

Shelly Molony says hot pink is the go-to colour for a Harry Styles concert. (Supplied: Shelley Molony)

Calls for ethical boa decisions

The Humane Society International does not support the use of feathers in fashion.

Georgie Dolphin wants people to know where their feathers are sourced. (Supplied: Humane Society International)

Animal welfare campaigner Georgie Dolphin said many feathers for boas were sourced from countries that had inadequate animal protection regulations.

"Some of the countries even engage in a practice where live plucking is carried out," she said.

The group was calling for consumers to have a greater awareness of feather origins.

"We don't want people inadvertently supporting animal cruelty when they don't realise that they even are, so if you are aware, it will help with purchasing decisions," Ms Dolphin said.

"We definitely suggest partying with non-animal products for any boa experiences."

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