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!

For a high quality fur bedspread author Stephen Daniels highly recommends the high quality products produced by Trailside Traditions. The owner has been in this business for more than 20 years, and takes pride in the quality of the pelts he gets from his eco-responsible suppliers. His fur products have been ranked in the top 10% of all sold in the US.