The International Fur Federations bursaries are used to support a range of projects, from fashion shows, workshops and trips. The latest of our bursaries was awarded to Jannicke Romøren Eriksen from Norway who, along with four other fur ladies, journeyed to Kopenhagen Fur’s studio between 8-11 September 2019 for their fur auction and to visit their studio. In Jannicke’s words, this was her experience:
Lucky me! I was one of the chosen ones to go to Kopenhagen Fur! I arrived at Kopenhagen Fur Auction house on Sunday, and joined the fantastic lunchbufé. After that, a gentleman named Anders took us inside the auction for a tour. For many years I have wanted to see how an auction works so this was quit exiting!
The next step was sightseeing inside this big building to see where they sort out the skins. It was very interesting to hear Martin explain to us the whole process from when the skins arrive all the way through the process to where they send them after they are sold. This was an interesting and informative first day!
On Monday morning we went to the Kopenhagen Fur Studio where we were meet by Mai, the host for our trip, who explained to us in great detail about the studio and what they do there. Mai then showed us an exciting furfashion video and the many different techniques used when creating with fur. After this we were able to study the many samples in the room. We were allowed to choose some techniques that we wanted to try and picked some skin that we prepared to work on the next day. We also got a tour around in the different rooms, workshop, storage, fridge and showroom.
The next day, Tuesday, we started to try out the different technics we studied the day before. I tried some techniques and fell in love with the new sewing machines for the furriers that they have got in the Kopenhagen Fur studio! The rest of the day I spent my time in the cold storage where I was surrounded by hundreds of fur coats, vests, dresses and impressive accessories! I remember thinking, and still do think, all of these furs are art! It was very inspiring (and cold!).
Myself and the three other ladies where 4 Norwegian furrier women, but we had never been together all of us at the same time. Thanks to the sponsorship provided by IFF, we got to experience this trip together, learning and experiencing a lot, as well as enjoying one another’s company.
I am very grateful that I was chosen to take part in this trip, it’s been very inspiring to continue my work as a furrier and to cooperate with these other furriers and learn the very latest techniques.
A special thanks to Pelsinform, Kopenhagen Fur, FurEurope and IFF who made this possible.
And of course, thanks to Hilde, Ellen and Viktoria for the good company and all the laughter.
Best regards,
Jannicke Romøren Eriksen