Fur Is Timeless: High Fashion on the Runway and In Home Accessories

The comfort and warmth of fur has been with us
throughout human history. Lately it is enjoying
a new peak in popularity as a fashion fabric -
on the runway gracing the latest looks and in
our homes in the form of a snuggly fur bedspread
or throw.

This is not your grandmother's fur. Although
that touch of mink still accounts for 70% of all
fur sales, it may be sheared now to achieve a
variety of adornments; perhaps even combined
with other types of furs to add texture and
pattern interest in whatever it has been made
into. Broadtail lamb, fox or beaver are being
used to trim boots or to create a fashion
forward look in shrugs, and collars. Although
the traditional full length fur coat has
certainly not gone away, designers are
concentrating more on shorter, livelier fur
jackets and vests this fall and winter.

Moving up fast on the fur hit parade is lamb,
often called the chameleon of fur, since it can
be used in a variety of ways and takes well to
dyeing. Shearling lamb refers to a process of
constructing garments with the leather side of
the pelt sueded or leatherized and worn on the
outside. The soft, fur is used as a super warm
and comfortable lining.

Most of the popular furs - mink, fox, lamb and
rabbit are farm raised and the industry is
highly regulated to help guarantee humane
treatment of the animals. This environment also
produces consistently high quality, luxurious
furs.

Furriers are key players in this industry. You
could say they are to fur fabrics and design
what clothiers are to fashion textile garments.
Most furriers are involved in a spectrum of
activities, from farming and trapping to
procuring furs from farms or on the
international market. They are also usually
heavily involved in the designing of fur
clothing and home accessories, and with the
advent of the internet are also often into
custom retail sales. In addition, they are of
course, well versed in the handling and care of
furs, so you can enjoy the luxurious fruits of
their labor for years to come.

Speaking of luxury, how about a fur throw or
blanket? You can have that. Imagine wrapping
yourself in a blanket of soft, warm mink or
perhaps beaver, sipping a nice cup of tea or
cocoa, while winter has its way with the outside
world. But don't overlook some of the very
popular but less well known furs now also being
utilized for home accessories - such as a coyote
or raccoon fur blanket. While many think of the
coyote as a lowly scavenger, their fur is
fabulous, lush and warm, and makes a luxurious
looking and feeling throw for a cold afternoon
or evening.

But don't stop there. Fur now covers designer
tissue boxes and upholstery - all over or as a
trim. Looking for a low cost and environmentally
responsible way to spiff up your home? Think
about repurposing a past-its-prime thrift store
fox jacket into a couple of pillow covers. Ah
yes - the perfect place to take a nap!

Fur - to paraphrase an old commercial - it's
what's for comfort and it is very in for
2011-2012!

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Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends
http://www.trailsidetraditions.com/ to anyone
seeking high quality real fur blankets,
bedspreads, lodge accessories, hats, rugs and
more. The owner of Trailside Traditions has been
in this business for more than 20 years, and
takes pride in the quality of the fur pelts he
uses and gets from his eco-responsible suppliers
to create beautiful genuine fur products for his
customers.

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