Fur Fashion for 2009!

Many people buy faux fur, or even faux fur lined garments over the real thing because they think they’re being kind to animals. Unfortunately, the reverse is often true. Some recent findings concerning designer goods have surfaced, showing consumers that we need to be more vigilant than ever, in order to know what we’re getting.

What’s wrong with faux fur?

In principal, nothing. In practice, quite a bit is wrong with faux fur. Resent tests have shown that high end designer clothing from labels like Burberry, and Nicole Miller that was labeled as synthetic fur is actually real fur. From dogs. Some designer items labeled as being raccoon or rabbit, were also dog fur. Most of these products came from China, where enforcement of quality standards are lax. All of these falsely labeled items came from the raccoon dog, a native Asian canine that is similar in appearance to a raccoon. This animal is also sometimes referred to as Tanuki. Its fur is very similar to that of a cross fox, or raccoon.

while the fur itself is a reasonable quality fur, most raccoon dogs are very poorly treated, as they are not a standard pelt animal. Chinese raccoon dogs are often bred in small cages, and their death is anything but humane (it’s actually very greusome). That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what you are buying when you get a fur coat, no matter if it’s real or fake.

How can I avoid getting ripped off while buying a real or faux fur coat?

Easy! Buy from someone you trust. Any reputable furrier will be able to tell that the furs he gets from his suppliers are real. This is not the case for unlucky designers and department stores who were misled by the manufacturers of their fur, and fur lined coats. A real furrier will know by look and texture that the fur he has genuinely came from the animal it’s being represented as. He will also know how his suppliers treat the animals that they raise, and can ensure that any farms that raise animals for pelts conduct their business as humanely as possible. If you have a garment that you suspect has been misrepresented, you can always take it to a professional furrier who will give you his professional opinion about its origins, and how honestly it has been represented.

alpaca bear stuffed animals

With all of the hoopla surrounding faux fur, it is easy to believe that buying fake is the way to go. Unfortunately, many have been wrongly misled down this path. The truth is that there is no replacing a genuine fur coat. Any way that you look at it, real fur is the only way to go.

1. Quality wise, real fur is always a better investment. There is not a man made synthetic fur replacement on the market that can replicate the textural delights and luxury that a genuine fur provides for its wearer.

2. The durability of real fur is unrivaled. Real fur is a nature provided barrier to the elements. It is designed to stand not only the test of time, but also any inclement weather conditions the wearer is faced with.

3. Genuine fur is an heirloom quality piece of clothing. It can be handed down from generation to generation in manner that, quite frankly, anything faux cannot.

4. Fur is in. Despite all of the campaigning otherwise, buyers want genuine fur because they know the difference between value and hype.

5. Wearing genuine fur transforms you into the crowd standout. Fur is an awesome accessory that can be adapted for any situation. It is easily dressed up for a fun night on the town and dressed down for a casual afternoon.

6. Authentic fur can be recycled and repurposed in a manner that would not be cost effective in regards to faux fur. True fur is an investment that can be transformed into a different silhouette or even a different garment all together.

7. Because genuine fur is a natural product, it is a biodegradable material that is a lot more Earth friendly. Also, because it is already made, man does not have to use valuable resources to create it. It takes one gallon of oil to complete the process of creating the fur needed for three faux fur coats. Faux fur is also a product that will not break down over time, creating more waste in landfills.

8. Currently, the markets are swimming with faux fur that is in fact real fur. Know what you are purchasing. When you buy a genuine fur, you can be assured that you are getting a truly high quality, durable fashion piece.

9. Wearing an authentic fur garment is undoubtedly a true luxury experience for any wearer. Faux fur cannot replace this feeling. You may think you are fooling onlookers, but you will always know that you are creating a false impression. Haute couture is defined by one of a kind pieces, not mass produced faux garments.

10. Real fur may be more expensive but it is worth the cost. With this price tag you inherit tradition, luxury, warmth and an article of clothing that will last many lifetimes over.

The fur coat has a long history, not just in the United States, but all over the world. For as long as there have been people living on this planet, there have been people utilizing fur to stay warm. From ancient cultures to the modern day Eskimos, fur has been considered an essential and life saving possession. There are now other reasons to wear fur as well, including appearance, stature, and even personal preference. Many of today’s celebrities and famous people continue to wear fur coats on a regular basis.

One such person is Sharon Stone. Sharon Stone was born in 1958 in Pennsylvania. She first began a successful modeling career toward the end of the 1970s, working with such big names as Clairol, Revlon, and Diet Coke. While she did have a small role in a Woody Allen film in the 1980s, her big break into stardom occurred in the 1990s. Sharon Stone has been a long time fur coat lover, and seems to wear various fur pieces to most of the awards shows she attends. She has some beautiful fur pieces and wears them wonderfully.

Demi Moore is another celebrity who loves her fur. Demi Moore was born in 1962. She had a long history of small roles in movies and television before finally getting her big break in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has been the subject of various controversies throughout her career due to her individualistic, outgoing, and unabashed ideas, career moves, and opinions. She is a wonderful guideline for teaching girls that they don’t have to fit the mold to succeed. Both she and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, have been seen wearing fur jackets and wraps on various occasions.

Madonna, both actress and singer, has been known to wear her fur quite often as well. Madonna was born in 1958 in Michigan. She released her first albums and began her ascent to fame in the early 1990s. After establishing a thriving music career, she has also tried her hand in at least 22 movies with her most acclaimed role being that of the title character in the movie Evita. With several serious relationships and marriages behind her, she has embraced her image as a controversial music and movie icon. Her love of fur has been exhibited since the early 1980s and still continues today.

Both Goldie Hawn and her daughter Kate Hudson are avid fans of fur coats. Goldie Hawn was born in 1945 in Washington, D.C. Her daughter, Kate Hudson, was born in 1979 in California. They have both had long and successful careers as movie actresses, with Goldie Hawn’s career starting in the 1960s in television and Kate Hudson’s career starting in the late 1990’s and becoming a prominent actor after the year 2000. Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson both seem to prefer the more comedic roles, with Kate Hudson leaning toward romantic comedies. On a trip to Aspen, you will never catch them without their furs!

Other Celebrities who make fur famous:
Lindsey Lohan - She was accused of stealing a fan’s fur coat at a nightclub!
Dita Von Teese - A lover of vintage furs
Mary Kate Olsen - She accents her outfits with small touches of fur

Natural Mahogany Mink

Over the past couple of decades, there has been a growing demand for mink fur coats. Women have often viewed mink fur coats as the height of all fashion, because it is timeless and classic. A mink’s fur is very silky and dense, so it is soft to the touch and feels quite luxurious. How could one not want to be draped in this material? However, there are several different types of minks and the quality of mink you choose will be reflected in the price tag.

Since mink is mostly found in North America (there are some scattered in Europe), there are a lot of mink farms (wild mink fur is rarely used anymore) where they raise the minks for the sole purpose of using them for furs. This is so they can watch the development of their coats. By having the farms, the chances of mutation decrease due to advancements in gene technology. These natural, controlled furs have a higher quality of fur in color and other characteristics.

Also, when selecting a fur, find out what gender the mink was, because there is a difference in the texture and density of the furs. Female pelts are much softer and more delicate. The pelts are smaller and if you are looking for a higher quality of fur, you may want to choose the female mink fur coat. The males have a coat that is much heavier because the hair is much thicker and more densely situated than on a female’s coat. A male’s coat is suitable for when you would like a more personalized type of mink fur coat. Since the fur on a male’s coat is thicker, it is more receptive to dyes, and there is more material to work with. Shearing is also an option with male mink pelts.

There are different types of mink furs that you are able to purchase. The first is a whole skin fur coat. When purchasing these types of mink furs, you should check several things to make sure it is of good quality before buying. First, you should check whether or not the guard hair is even. Also, feel how silky it is. Touch the hair with a light brush of your fingertips. This will bring out the true texture of the material. Be careful when buying a patterned mink coat. The craftsmanship can really affect the price of the product and it is not easy to manufacture these items. If you are purchasing a patterned coat, make sure that the stitching is even and tight all around. The stitching should also be reinforced.

Fur coats are popular in the fashion world today not only for the accomplishment of status and the “diva” look, but as an investment. Unlike normal coats that may last you up to a few years, a mink fur is extremely durable and can be worn for around 20 to 30 years.

CASHMERE CAPE WITH FOX TRIM

There is nothing that can replace the timeless elegance, luxurious feel, and sheer sophistication of a genuine fur coat. Yet throughout the years, the stigma of wearing this incomparable material has resulted in some fur-owners shelving their beloved coats, stoles, and other fur-lined fashions.

Vintage fur offers a fun, classic and more humane alternative to fur lovers who want to enjoy the exquisite feel of their favorite pelt without contributing to the harm of an animal. By buying vintage fur, you are giving new purpose to a classic fashion. Vintage fur is an investment you can feel good about, but it is still an investment. If you buy vintage fur, you will need to find someone familiar with older furs, who can help you keep it looking luxurious and elegant.

When you buy vintage fur, it’s important to care for it as though it’s new. To do this, you will need to build a relationship with a local furrier. Knowing how to care for your vintage fur will help extend the life of your special garment and ensure years of joy and luxurious wear.

Fur Care Basics

Years of wear or improper storage can make vintage fur garments delicate and particularly vulnerable to future damage. Here are some essential fur care tips and advice to help you maintain your vintage fur fashions:

Storage

*Ideally, your vintage fur should be kept in cold storage by a reputable furrier. These fur experts specialize in fur repair, care and maintenance. Springtime is a particularly important time to place your vintage fur in cold storage, since humidity, heat and moths can deteriorate the garment.

*If storing your vintage fur in your own closet, make sure it has enough space to hang comfortably.

*Never store your vintage fur in a plastic bag; the delicate material requires proper air circulation.

Maintenance

*Avoid prolonged periods of sitting while wearing your vintage fur, which can lead to signs of wear and potentially cause damage.

*Limit the amount of time you expose your vintage fur to the strain of purse and shoulder straps, which can also take a toll on your garment.

*Seek the expertise of a furrier for the annual cleaning conditioning of your vintage fur. Having your vintage fur professionally cleaned will help eliminate unwanted odor. The conditioning process will help restore oils that are essential to the longevity of your vintage fur.

*Never use heat to dry your vintage fur. If your garment becomes wet, simply shake off the excess water and let it dry naturally. If the liquid is a substance like wine or coffee, take your vintage fur to a furrier for professional cleaning as soon as possible.

Fur Repair

*Take your vintage fur to a furrier as soon as you detect a tear, rip or other damage. Delaying the fur repair process can contribute to extensive damage. In addition, attempts to repair the garment yourself may actually worsen the damage and require even costlier repairs.

*Schedule yearly tightening of buttons and other enclosures on your vintage fur fashion by a trusted furrier. This practice will also allow the furrier to review your garment for any tears that may be undetectable to the untrained eye.

Fur accessories are a better option than a badly made fur

Everyone knows that a fur coat is a wonderful investment that will last you for years. So for all you fur lovers, I’m going to supply you with some useful information on how you can tell a good fur coat from a cheap fur coat that has poor quality, and may not stand the test of time.

Pricing for a fur coat is determined by a great many factors, and each of these is important when you are evaluating a coat for quality. Here are some things to consider when looking for that perfect fur coat:

The craftsmanship - Examine your fur coat for the quality of the craftsmanship. An excellent fur coat will have clean stitches, with no fur caught in them. A cheap fur coat, or poor quality fur coat may have sloppy stitches, fur caught in linings and zippers, and it might have a lining that is closed off at the hem. A closed lining will not allow you to see the underside of the fur, so examine the coat as closely as you can.

The amount of leather included -A cheap fur coat may use strips of leather underneath to space out the fur. This means that less pelt is used in construction, and the resulting garment will be less durable, and slightly cheaper. This can be a great fur for someone who is cost conscious, but if you’re ready to spend on the very best, look for a fur with no space between the pelts.

The color of the leather underneath - A natural fur coat should have a creamy, off white colored leather beneath the fur. An undyed coat will be a little more expensive because the pelts need to match, in order to look consistent. If you see colored leather beneath the fur, and the coat is being marketed as natural, then look elsewhere.

The number of pelts used in the coat - This number can be hard to pin down, so don’t obsess over it, but do keep in mind that the more actual fur in the garment, the higher the quality will be. If a fur feels thin, ridged underneath, or you can find a lot of spaces in the leather that may or may not show up on the outside, then you are probably looking at a cheap fur coat, rather than a top quality fur.

How you feel about the coat - Price is never the only factor when purchasing a fur coat. How you feel about it should speak more loudly than money. When buying a new fur coat, try it on. Move around in it a bit. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, then it’s not the coat for you. You may find that you prefer the lighter feel of a cheap fur coat, or you enjoy the way a cheaper coat is cut, as opposed to a similar expensive one. Just make sure that if you choose a poor quality fur coat, that you must be prepared to bring it to a furrier very often to repair damages. A cheap fur coat will simply not last as long as a quality fur.

Black Sheared Mink Stroller w/ Indigo Fox Tuxedo

Are you thinking about buying a fur coat? There are many styles to choose from. Who knows the best and latest styles on the market, as well as the latest trends in top quality fur coats? Who also knows how best to care for your fur coat? A furrier of course!

Furriers are specialized merchants that are professionals in their fields. From the first moment you walk into a furrier, it is about building a relationship that will last beyond your purchase. A fur is not your average purchase and a furrier understands this exactly. Furs need care and maintenance throughout the time you own them if you want to enjoy them for many years to come. A furrier can help you understand how to protect the investment of your new fur coat.

When buying a fur coat, some people may look to large retail outlets, thinking they may save a few dollars. But in the long run, a fur is an investment. Staff in a large retail store may lack the expertise to advise you on how to store and care for your fur coat. Additionally, they may not be there when you have questions or concerns months after your purchase.

For example, a furrier will offer a cold storage vault facility to store your fur coat. In the warmer summer months, furs need to be properly stored to protect it from heat, humidity and air conditioning. Fur vaults control for temperature and humidity, keeping your fur safe and ready for the next winter. Because you have built a relationship with your furrier, you can be confident that your fur coat will be left in competent and caring hands.

A furrier will know best how to care for your fur something you may or may not get at a large retail outlet. There are special processes to maintain a fur coat and a furrier will know all about them. For example, furs need to be cleaned and glazed annually, a specialized process that a furrier can perform. Also, in order to prevent the premature cracking and drying of fur pelts, they must be moisturized each year. This process is something that furriers are experienced in doing.

By having a relationship with a furrier, you can ensure that your fur is properly taken care of. And also, that it is in hands that you can trust. A furrier understands that furs need care and attention. Because of their expertise, they can provide that to you.

In a retail store, the sales clerks may lack this type of expertise. Maybe last week they worked with raincoats. You will not have this experience with furriers. A furrier has one job – to understand fur coats. When you buy a fur coat from a furrier, you are buying more than a simple coat. You are investing in a relationship. A furrier sees your purchase as a relationship and will provide you with the service, advice and counsel you expect when building a lasting partnership.

Sheared Rabbit Stroller Dyed Purple Degrade

When deciding to buy a fur, there are many options available. Each should be considered thoroughly, as this piece is really an investment into your wardrobe and potentially a heritage piece to be handed down through generations. Before you choose “the one,” you need to narrow down exactly what you want out of this fur coat.

Are you looking for durability rather than to make a fashion statement? What type of fur do you prefer? What length or style do you like? What price level do you feel comfortable with? And finally, do you want natural colored fur or a dyed fur coat? These decisions will culminate in your perfect coat.

Perhaps, it is wise to note that all of these choices are intertwined, especially the choice between natural color and dyed fur.

Natural colored fur is the more traditional approach to wearing a fur. It allows the natural qualities of the fur to truly stand out for admiration. The natural fur color and sheen will compliment a more conservative, or classic, silhouette for an owner that wants to invest in a piece that will stand the test of time as well as pay homage to fur coats of the past.

If you would like to blend the past with the present, you may consider having a coat made of natural color fur but updated with a modern cut. This updated approach will appease today’s trends, but will still have a sophisticated feel.

Natural fur coats will cost more than dyed fur for a few reasons. When a furrier is creating a natural color fur garment, he must find furs that can be sewed together for a cohesive look. All of the furs used in this process must match on several levels. The furs should all have the same consistency. The owner must be able to run his or her hand over the garment and not feel a textural change. The furs must also have the same color so there is not a noticeable difference. To lower the final cost of particular garments, smaller pieces that do have differences can be sewn together. This will add to the overall texture and pattern of the coat.

Using dyed fur is an alternative to using traditional natural color fur. This is a fashion forward trend that allows the owner to have a fur piece of any color. This is perfect for the owner that wants to stay atop of all of the latest color trends. This option works well with any silhouette. If you want a garment to be totally trendy, you can opt for a piece sewn in an ultra modern cut and made out of a trendy color. To blend modern and vintage, use a trendy color on a classic cut. When furriers create a dyed piece, it is slightly less expensive because pelts to not have to match in color, only texture, when they are sewn together. The dye will create the cohesive look desired.

K COUTURE RANCH MINK WITH LACE COAT

When you think fur coat, you probably imagine a loose-fitting, mid-calf length coat with long sleeves and a generous collar. But what’s commonly known as a Three Quarter length fur coat isn’t your only option when it comes to style.

Trendy, classic, long or short, here is a list of the most common styles of fur coat with tips to help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Coats
A coat is a fur that is made to cover most, if not all, of the garment underneath. The most popular style is the Three Quarter or mid-calf length. Go with a sophisticated, classic cut and this is a coat that will last you a lifetime.

If you prefer your coat on the shorter side, consider a Seven Eights length  fur coat. This is a coat that skims the knee. Not as heavy as a Three Quarter length, the Seven Eights will give you more freedom of movement, particularly if you’re getting in and out of a car.

If you’re looking to make a statement with your fur, consider a Great Coat. A great coat is a longer, fuller coat that goes all the way down to the ankle. It’s the perfect coat for a Broadway opening or a night at the opera.

Jackets

If you don’t care for the weight of a full-length fur coat, consider a fur jacket.

The Bolero is a short jacket that rides at the waist or slightly above. A Bolero worn over a long, flowing gown will have you looking like a 1930’s Hollywood starlet ready to walk down the red carpet.

If walking along the boardwalk in Atlantic City is more your thing, then go with a Stroller. A Stroller, or fur  Walking Jacket comes down to the hip, giving you warmth and coverage with a freedom of movement.

Capes

When it comes to drama, nothing beat a fur cape. By definition a cape is a sleeveless garment that rests on the shoulders. A cape generally hangs to the waist and may have a single closure at the neckline.

A fur Stole is the simplest form of cape. It’s actually just a narrow length of fur that wraps around the shoulders and crosses mid-chest without any type of closure. Simple and elegant, it’s perfect for a night on the town, a gallery opening or cocktails with friends.

A fur Opera Coat is the complete opposite of a Stole. Despite it’s name, an Opera Coat is a long, flowing cape that barely skims the floor. It was designed to be worn over an evening gown and though some are made with sleeves, they’re very loose and open and not at all tailored as they would be in a true fur coat.

When it comes to choosing a style of fur, think about how you’ll be wearing the garment. If it’s for black tie parties, a short jacket or simple stole might be just the thing. If you’re off to the theater on a regular basis, a stroller or three quarter length fur coat will do the trick. But if you’re out to make a grand entrance, great coat or opera coat will assure that all eyes are on you.

Knitted Fox Shrug

A long, luxurious Mink coat often conjures up images of periods in our history. Golden ages, when furs meant royalty, nobility, and the elites of their time. Now, furs are more accessible than ever, and the most difficult part of finding a fur is choosing what sort of fur coat is the right one for you.

Getting your hands on the coat of your dreams, whether long fur coats, mink fur coats or any other type is a breeze-especially in the age of the internet, where you have a world of choices with just a few clicks. Sometimes, all the choices can make it even harder to narrow down what you want. You want to do more than just find a great deal on a fur coat. You want to find the fur that will showcase your unique style. To help you do that, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you choose the best fur coat so that you can be sure that you’re delighted with your investment for a long time.

Tips for Choosing the Best Fur Coat

• Consider your needs. Are you looking for something that you hope to wear for a very long time or are you looking for something more fashion forward and trendy? Is it strictly for special occasions, in which case a long fur coat might be best, or do you want something to wear with anything, including jeans, like a shorter mink fur coat or jacket? Determining your need will make it easier to narrow things down.
• Have a budget and an open mind. We’d all love to get our hands on a gorgeous long fur coat or glamorous mink fur coat for bargain basement prices, but if a good coat is what you’re after then you’ll need to keep an open mind as far as budget goes. Don’t throw your budget out the window and give in to a whim, either! Just have a little leeway to play with.
• Peruse the types of furs available. It may seem that mink fur coats are THE coat to have, but after a little research you may find that you prefer the look of chinchilla or fox. All furs offer you a very different look and feel, so getting to know the different types of fur will make choosing a lot easier.
• Browse the styles. I don’t mean as in long fur coats or short, I mean sheared or non sheared, dyed or natural furs. If you prefer a classic look then long fur coat or short, you’ll be best off with something natural in color. Furs come dyed in all kinds of fashionable and even outlandish colors for those looking for something bold and unique.
• Look for things like shine and fur length. The outer fur should always look luxuriously soft and shiny and should be longer than the fur on the inner layers. This can actually mean the difference between a coat that looks high quality and one that just looks cheap.

With these tips in mind you’ll be able to make the best choice for you no matter what your taste. So get out there and get yourself that mink fur coat you’ve always longed for.