Industry News

Summer — The Ideal Time for A Trans-FUR-mation

A fur coat is elegant, fashionable and luxurious, but it’s also recyclable. For example, an older fur coat that has lost its style and fashion appeal can easily be restyled to bring years of continued wear.

According to Keith Kaplan, Executive Director of the Fur Information Council of America, your choices are limitless. "Fur has always been an excellent investment. If properly cared for, it will last through several generations. Unlike many fabrics it can be restyled and recreated giving your old fur several new looks."

The best time to do fur transformations is during the summer months when the craftsmen who will become very busy creating and tailoring in the Fall/Winter months can devote their full attention to providing you with their expertise. Most fur coats are in cold storage for the summer and this is the perfect time to help an older fur get into shape for winter.

Here are a few tips on restyling: Call a well-established, professional furrier for an appointment to bring coats in for inspection explains Sue Kluger of Kluger Furs in Flossmoor, IL. "The furrier will examine the fur carefully for wear and damage, using expertise to judge its condition for restyling. If the quality is good, discuss options for the redesign."

All-weather wool, cashmere or cotton coats can easily be spiced up with a fur lining for maximum warmth and style. A reversible coat can allow the option of two looks in one. A full-length fur can become a short jacket or bolero; or combine a fur with cashmere in a shawl or stole. Using fur to trim denim or leather has become a particularly exciting fashion trend. Kathy Rezny of York Furrier, Elmhurst, IL stated "Don’t forget other options such as, recycling fur from an old coat into accessories such as collars and scarves that can be attached to leather jackets or wool suits."

Finally, take into consideration all the other ways to enjoy fur. Decorators could recreate an old coat into accessories for the home or boudoir: blankets, throws, fur pillows, or neck rolls. And don’t forget gifts for men: what could be more luxurious than a fur-lined accessories box for watches and cufflinks, or a fur-covered footstool.

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