The hunting and manufacturing behind the traditional guard headpieces worn by the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace are appallingly wasteful and cruel. Production takes as much as the entire hide of one Canadian black bear, which must then be shipped to the UK, to make a single headpiece.  The hunt is not humane. Many bears are shot several times before they die; some escape, only to bleed to death.

Perhaps the best alternative yet to the furry caps was unveiled just last week by a team from PETA, designed by none other than animal activist and fashion superstar Stella McCartney. The plastic-fiber prototype has undergone years of development, including rigorous water repellency tests. In marked contrast to the ceremonial black bear fur toppers that have been worn by the Queen's Guard for nearly 200 years, PETA's proposed caps, which they call Bear28, are lighter, more breathable and less expensive to produce.

Photo credit: roblisameehan