Industry News
Contact: Karen Lyp, Executive Director
Associated Fur Industries of Chicagoland
630/279-1931, info@FurChicago.com
For Immediate Release:
Caring for Your Fur Coat Storage and Conditioning
From the 7th on Sixth Runways to the fashion capitals of the world, FUR is the new Fabric of Choice! Top designers have been using luxurious furs in innovative and exciting ways. Modern wraps, jackets, accessories and dresses have joined the ranks of classical and elegant fur coats. With fur gaining popularity, it is important to know how to properly clean and care for your fur and fine outerwear items. Keith Kaplan, Executive Director of Fur Information Council of America, advises, “Fur can be worn for over 35 years and still retain its original beauty and luster if cared for properly.”
Fur vaults specifically designed to protect the lasting quality of a fur garment offer temperature, humidity, and light-controlled environments. Air exchange is carefully regulated and temperatures are kept below 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a constant humidity level of 50%. No closet in your home can duplicate these conditions adequately. “When fur is not stored in a vault,” said Kathy Rezny of York Furrier of Elmhurst, IL, “The hair itself may appear fine but the natural oils of the leather will begin to dry out.” According to Rezny, “Home storage, using air conditioning or a cedar closet, won’t protect your fur from drying out or from becoming dirty and cannot protect against oxidation which can discolor fur and change its texture.” In fact, she points out, closets at home typically are 10 degrees warmer than the rest of the room.
In addition to climate-controlled vaults, a reputable fur salon will provide other standard services when you drop off your items for summer storage. An experienced furrier will examine your items carefully for any necessary repairs. Loose linings should be sewn and worn fastenings replaced. Most important, your items should be conditioned at this time. Dirt and destructive pollutants are removed during the conditioning process while the leather sides of the items are revitalized by restoring necessary oils. This process will not shrink, discolor or change the shape of fur. After conditioning, the fur is then glazed – a process which restores the sheen and luster resulting in shinier and softer fur.
Some trends among fur wearers, according to Howard Bresnik of the Chicago Fur Outlet in Chicago, IL, are restyling, remodeling, trading in or consigning. Many consumers who had purchased fur coats, or inherited them have brought in their coats to have them updated into more modern silhouettes, explains Bresnik. “That’s one of the great things about a fur coat – it can be restyled to reflect changes in fashion. You can’t do that with a cloth coat.”
Sue Kluger of Kluger Furs in Flossmoor and Orland Park, IL agrees, noting that she observed the trend in the Chicago area. “Many of our customers consult with us about remodeling when they bring their coats in for storage and conditioning,“ said Kluger, “And when they pick up their coats in the fall, it’s like getting a completely new fur!”
All indications show that fur is here to stay. Now over 380 designers are presenting furs in their Collections as the ultimate “must have.” Caring for your fur items properly today can ensure that you’ll get many useful years out of your fur and still be right in step with the trends for the future.
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