Savvy consumers are embracing the vintage trend trying to create curated and timeless wardrobes by mixing key pieces from days gone by with new looks. This movement has created an even greater demand in a secret “pocket sector”, pun intended, of the fashion industry known as fur remodeling or restyling.
Natural fur coats and garments can last for decades and are often passed down for generations, if well cared for. Typically undertaken during the “off-season”, May through September, fur remodeling/restyling allows fur owners to extend the life of much loved or newly acquired older fur pieces. Because of the durability of fur, the growing trend is for many young women to snatch up their mother’s and grandmother’s hand-me-downs and let their creativity run wild by remaking them into styles that accommodate their own lifestyles.
The interest in “recycled” fur, has spurred more and more designers to apply their creative vision and the resources of their skilled craftsmen towards the development of exciting new remodel programs broadening the array of available style options. In speaking to industry insiders, we’ve identified a few key trends that keep surfacing when clients are looking to update their furs.
Hey Shorty
The easiest and quickest way to transform an outdated fur coat is to give it the big chop! Traditionally, when a woman received a fur coat it was long, luxurious and sweeping in its presence. This silhouette is fine for ladies who lunch, but today’s woman on-the-go needs something a little less ostentatious and limiting. Running from daycare to the gym to late night business dinners; women today have hectic lives which demand the ability to multi-task. Shorter silhouettes deliver just as much bang for your buck and still deliver warmth and ease of mobility. Besides, the shorter length lends itself well to pairing with more casual looks including denim and cross-over athletic wear; while still delivering that polished look to an evening dress. Now that’s the perfect wardrobe work horse for today’s “super” woman.
It’s a Cinch
Adding a belt does wonders for any jacket instantly creating a flirty, feminine feel. Any woman who battles a fluctuating waistline can definitely agree the addition of a belt is a wonderful equalizer. Equally flattering, is contoured seaming details which can convert boxy garments into more form-fitting silhouettes. The new awakening of women embracing their curves, of all sizes, has the younger set not shying away from pieces that are more tailored to their bodies. This is a huge plus for skilled fur artisans who are reporting a rise in the demand for custom tailoring on pieces that were once more fluid and bulky in nature. We say #LoveYourBody and, if you’ve got it, #flauntit!
Vests -A -Plenty
A go-to transition piece and silhouette, a fur vest is a fabulous way to incorporate texture and create a mixed medium look by layering in different materials.
Little Wonders with BIG Attitude
Do you have left over fur sections from a previous remodel? Why not plan on creating a little fur piece for the wee little ones in your life? Two-legged or four-legged; those little “critters” need love too.
Personal & Home Accessories
Whether it’s keeping the chill off your neck, atop you head, or cozying up the interior of a home, fur plays the perfect supporting cast role for any setting and all occasions.
“The growth in the adaptive reuse of “recycled” fur is so exciting,” notes Keith Kaplan, fur industry spokesperson. “First, it speaks to the inherent benefits of fur as a sustainable, renewable and recyclable material. And as a more and more used fur is available, either through a new generation inheriting the fur coats worn by their mothers and grandmothers, or through purchasing of vintage or trade-in furs, the demand for fresh, creative new design ideas is spurring the growth of remodeling. With so much design and production talent available and excited about this new creative platform it is the perfect storm.”
Source: Fur Insider and FICA