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REMIX Success Stories – Edda Gimnes

December 20, 2017

As we approach REMIX 2018, we wanted to showcase some of our recent success stories from the past few years of the REMIX Design Competition to present the opportunities available for potential applicants looking to participate in future shows. We have seen past finalists who participated in recent years go on to work for labels such as Dolce & Gabbana and also see their own brand present in the international fashion weeks. This week we take a look at our 2016 REMIX Bronze Winner Edda...

REMIX Success Stories – Morten Ussing

December 12, 2017

Christian Dior, the creator of the indivisible whole

December 8, 2017

“Women, with their unfailing instinct, must have understood that I dreamed not only of making them more beautiful, but also happier. Their favour was my reward”. – Christian Dior Click here for a sneak peek of the Guru's visit! Every beginning is messy… and so is the Guru’s brain. But finally, here it is! I have been selecting the best of the images from the exhibition extraordinaire in Musee des arts decoratifs in Paris: Christian Dior, Designer of dreams. This woman was for several days...

Russia takes 1st place at the 2017 Eurasia REMIX

December 5, 2017

On November 22, 2017, the final of the international contest of young fur designers Remix-Eurasia 2017 was held in Minsk (Republic of Belarus), organised by the Russian Fur Union in conjunction with the Republican Association "Belpushnina" with the support of the International Fur Federation. The contest was held in two stages: At the first stage, the jury determined the most talented and interesting sketches of young designers. At the second stage, jury evaluated the finished garments, prepared according to the sketches and determined the...

The Fur Guru interviews Remix finalist Nicolas Lecourt Mansion

November 30, 2017

“The goal is to make your voice really loud”. – Nicolas Lecourt Mansion Dearest readers! The Fur Guru is back from the French capital and she has so much material to share with you that she's trying to get organised really quickly in order to attempt to make you feel and enjoy all the amazing and beautiful things she found in it in her following posts. Oh yes! From delicious, heart-warming food and wine in cozy little corners in Montmatre to exhuberant beauty from the...

The younger generation is leading fur into a fresh-faced future

November 28, 2017

The younger generations are becoming increasingly vocal and daring with their outlook on all areas of life, and fashion is no exception. The booming popularity of streetwear with young people – epitomized by the dominating influences of brands such as Vetements and Balenciaga – shows that a desire to test, resist and push the boundaries of design continues to thrive. When it comes to fur, the sheer versatility of the fabric’s usage testifies to how conventional boundaries are being pushed to the sidelines. ...

Asia Remix 2017

November 24, 2017

Asia Remix 2017 - ASIA fur design competition goes onstage in Taipei. The leading international event connects the entire fashion community worldwide and recognises Taiwan as a potential fashion hub. 2017.11.17 Taipei The international event, 'Asia Fur Design Competition – Asia Remix 2017 Grand Final' was a runway show and a competition held during the 'Taipei In-Style Fashion Week' in Taipei, Taiwan on 17 November 2017. The remarkable 13 finalists from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan were selected from 6000 entries submitted by...

REMIX Success Stories – Santiago Artemis

November 22, 2017

As we approach REMIX 2018, we wanted to showcase some of our recent success stories from the past few years of the REMIX Design Competition to present the opportunities available for potential applicants looking to participate in future shows. We have seen past finalists who participated in recent years go on to work for labels such as Dolce & Gabbana and also see their own brand present in the international fashion weeks. When did you first get into fashion and why? I started off...

Time to get festive! Here is our top fur picks for the festive season

November 21, 2017

Cold winter months might be a daunting prospect for some, but not for fur lovers. The more the temperature drops, the more the fur coat that has been hiding in the back of your wardrobe is begging to be worn. Though fur is becoming increasingly versatile across the seasons, it goes without saying that fur feels most at home in Winter. Not only that, but there is simply no other material as naturally insulating – and of course stylish – as fur when it...

Mexico: The resilient love for life

November 17, 2017

“The Mexican succumbs very easily to sentimental effusions, and therefore he shuns them”. – Octavio Paz Brrrr! The weather is getting colder by the day and the Guru is happy, as this is the best time of the year to use and enjoy a warm, soft fur coat. Yet, she can’t help but feeling the blues of those chilled and hot days on beautiful Mexican beaches and shiny days in Mexico City celebrating the Day of the Dead. So, to cure these blues, she has...

Roberto Tadini: The dyer

November 10, 2017

“Attention to detail is the cherry on the cake”. – Roberto Tadini Hello my darlings! Hope you didn't miss me too much. The Fur Guru is back and full of energy after a well-deserved holiday! And she came back with the latest of our industry. She had the pleasure of talking with one of the most energetic, charismatic and talented dyers of the fur trade: Roberto Tadini. He has been a late but welcome arrival to the fur industry. In a previous life he spent...

Fur is the breath of fresh air in a world of fast fashion

November 7, 2017

Fur is leading the way on sustainability, serving as the ideal material to combat the more wasteful aspects of fashion that have been on the rise over the past few years. The ways in which we consume fashion have changed radically. Online shopping has become the main rival to the high street, the number of collections being squeezed into one year continues to increase and the time between design and final production continues to shrink. This has come to be known as fast fashion. Clothing...

Fur Accessories Are In Full Bloom

October 20, 2017

It used to be the case then when it came to fur in fashion, you would think of bulky coats and perhaps the occasional pair of daring earmuffs. Nowadays however, due to the continuing technical and creative innovation of fashion designers, fur is being made increasingly available in a variety of forms. Of course, you wouldn’t have expected to see big fur pieces in the form of coats or jackets in the recent Spring Summer catwalks. But major brands continued to incorporate the material...

Sustainable design: When words are no longer enough

October 20, 2017

“Buy less, choose well”. – Vivienne Westwood The Fur Guru is going on holidays (Yaaaas!). And in her research of exotic lands to be discovered she bumped into an article entitled “Sustainability just got sexy”… sexy? I would call it fundamental or a matter of urgency but I guess this approach didn’t fit with the promise of the writer to find the trendiest paradise for the millennial market. Images of stylish escapes in the “greenest” hotels filled me with envy (quite frankly) but also with...

The real power of anecdotes

October 13, 2017

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. – Martin Luther King, , I have a dream, August 28th, 1963. The Guru believes politics and religion are daring topics. It might be because she comes from an extremely religious family. Or because she has grown up with a strongly political sister who slaps her in the face with weekly reality updates about all sort of social and political misfortunes in the world. Don’t misinterpret the writer of this post;...

Home away from home

October 6, 2017

“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition”. – James Baldwin, , Giovanni’s Room People, please let the Guru know if she’s going crazy or is it just her fixation for beautiful things that make her want to just grow roots and stay forever in one place? Because that’s precisely what happened to her when visiting Saga Furs Design Centre. This place just invites you to unpack and choose in which of its cosy rooms you want to stay… to live forever!...

The journey is on!

September 29, 2017

“I am part of all that I have met”. – Alfred Tennyson, The Complete Poetical Works of Tennyson It is called “the epitome of scandi cool”. And now I believe it. Copenhagen was a revelation as, while researching about it, was bombarded by pictures and blogs talking of this amazing place but only by visiting it you become aware of the real feel of this enchanting city. The Guru believes that the phrase from Anna Sewell in Black Beauty could accurately describe the mood of...

Youth initiatives setting a bright path for the future of fur

September 27, 2017

From animalistic animal rights activists to uninformed celebrity rhetoric, people might assume that the promotion of fur just involves fighting on the defensive. But this is not the case. In fact, the hundreds of years of craftsmanship that have made fur one of the most supreme materials today are not a thing of a past: we are still living in them now. The fur industry is passionate about inspiring the next generation to innovate and create with fur, as demonstrated by a range of initiatives...

Reconstructing and Reinventing in Copenhagen

September 22, 2017

“Rise stronger, reconstruct – Requiem, Lamb of God Apologies for the delay; this Guru has been quite busy. You know she loves to write but before writing everyone needs to know exactly what about. And these past weeks have been eventful… So eventful that she will be forced to split the news by bits. And she will start with the highlight of the month: her visit to Copenhagen. This place is made for the lovers of beauty, of good company, of creativity and innate coolness...

Ex-reality TV star Lucy Watson is in need of a reality check when it comes to fur

September 20, 2017

Lucy Watson made a name for herself by starring on the hit reality TV show Made in Chelsea. Now - years after leaving the show - she has re-taken a position in front of the camera lens, only this time, it’s for an animal rights group named Surge. Heard of them? Neither had we. With a mere eight thousand likes on their Facebook page, Surge claims to approach animal rights activism “through well-orchestrated demonstrations, outreach events, stunts, films and online campaigns with a focus on...

Alexquisite x Saga Furs

September 18, 2017

Alexquisite is the creative brand and brainchild of Greek designer Alexandros Kotoulas. Alexquisite stands for superior quality, handmade leather goods and intelligent design that is tailor-made to the needs and tastes of a contemporary, mobile aesthete. The core principle of Alexquisite’s design ethos is soft design — a design language that blends together practicality and function with intuitive beauty and a playful involvement of all the senses.

Mikkel Ostergaard Schou

September 12, 2017

The Visionaries Denmark: The Furrier “The person that is marked by foresight and imagination.” The crowds often think that visionaries have turned their backs on them. But, in fact, the visionaries have turned their faces to the future in search of better things to come. They share the light with others and teach us how to dream. In this collection, we have had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the crafters, designers and people from the fur trade that continue to innovate...

Morten Ussing launched a new collection with Chinese brand LIU DU

September 7, 2017

On Sep 2nd, 2017, the Chinese fur brand "LIU DU" collaborated with Danish designer Morten Ussing to launch a new collection named Return to true self. The event was held at the Peninsula Beijing Hotel, as an extraordinary landmark, it houses over 30 world famous luxury brands, such as Chanel, Versace, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. The Asian flagship store of LIU DU was also here. Many celebrities were present the event, including Ms. Tao Hong, the famous international actress. Morten Ussing, graduated from...

About the real, good things in life.

August 25, 2017

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” – John Keats, Endymion: A Poetic Romance Last week, the Guru introduced you to Wang Yutao and his refreshing approach to life and fashion. All this love for the small and big things in our daily life existence were so revitalizing and uplifting that she couldn’t get enough. She got you the answers to some of the questions that popped out of her head when looking at Mr Wang’s collections but, more importantly, at his latest work...

(Dis)Gusto: A taste of style from Chiara Giovannini

August 24, 2017

And the sky was watching that superb cadaver Blossom like a flower. So frightful was the stench that you believed You'd faint away upon the grass. The blow-flies were buzzing round that putrid belly, From which came forth black battalions Of maggots, which oozed out like a heavy liquid All along those living tatters. — And yet you will be like this corruption, Like this horrible infection, Star of my eyes, sunlight of my being, You, my angel and my passion! Yes! thus will you...

The magic of the quotidian with Wang Yutao

August 18, 2017

“Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking something different.” – Albert Szent- Gyorgy Not that long ago, the Fur Guru heard of this man: a designer that finds inspiration in the ordinary life and with it, re-invents the world around him and creates a much better place to be. He relies on human introspection, heritage, simplicity, nature, peace and enjoyment. All this without forgetting the purpose of fashion: understand what people really need. His name? Wang Yutao. This lover...

IFF & Kopenhagen Fur Visit Dressers & Dyers in Asia

August 4, 2017

With sustainability and the demonstration of improving standards both increasingly a focus for the fur industry, it is more important than ever that those driving the agenda have a broad understanding of all levels of the value chain. It was in this context that representatives from IFF and Kopenhagen Fur spent a week this Summer visiting dressers and dyers across Cambodia, Vietnam & China. The delegation included, from Kopenhagen Fur Mr Jesper Uggerhøj (CEO), Mr Soren Valentin (COO) and Mr Thomas Andersen (Head of Dressing)...

Rebecca Bradley’s journals: Loving Green.

August 4, 2017

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes” – Marcel Proust The Fur Guru loves to travel. It opens doors, pushes you to learn from others and at the same time it makes you discover new things about yourself. It’s just wonderful! It is the Guru’s interest and love for this particular endeavour that has drawn her to one of the most astonishing feeds on Instagram. Rebecca Bradley’s account was (for quite a while) full of...

Balenciaga: The Master of Shape

July 28, 2017

“Haute couture is like an orchestra, for which only Balenciaga is the conducter. The rest of us are just musicians, following the directions that he gives us” – Christian Dior London couldn’t get more sophisticated than this my darlings! Balenciaga is in town. At the heart of this city, the Victoria & Albert Museum has set an exhibition that has encouraged all fashionistas, researchers and members of the public to wait for weeks just to have the pleasure of seeing closely some of the creations...

Fendi rises to the occasion yet again

July 14, 2017

“Haute Couture is a mass of whispered secrets. Rare are those who have the privilege of passing them on”. – Yves Saint Laurent If there was going to be one show to close Paris Couture week, it was most certainly going to be Fendi’s Haute Furrore showpiece. One year after walking on water in Rome, Karl Lagerfeld returned to Paris with a high fur collection with wonderful garden tunes. The Italian brand’s collection paid tribute to nature and the world of flowers. Lagerfeld certainly didn’t...

FASHIONCLASH: Recovering the Sense in Fashion

July 14, 2017

“Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us ”. – Virginia Woolf Oh bliss, it’s Friday! The Guru suggests that, to get you ready and in the mood for this weekend, you pour yourselves a glass of bubbles, put your feet up and enjoy this little package of beautiful surprises and unforgettable experiences she brought from FASHIONCLASH in Maastricht. Trust me people...

FURLab and their search for democratic design

July 7, 2017

“What’s not to like about making affordable, desirable, sustainable pieces that reach many people? That is the design dream.” – Elsa Crawford, ILSE Studio Hello beautiful people. The Guru is back and full of updates and gossip about her trip, hurray! For those who still haven’t started following me in Instagram @furgurusnaps (oh, oh…) and you didn’t enjoy the beautiful snaps I got from my visit to the Dutch low lands, don’t despair. I brought more images and amazing news from one of the most...

Fur Summer Accessories: From Bland to Grand

June 23, 2017

“The Devil is in the details, but so is salvation.” – Hyman G. Rickover Finally! (Yes I know, I know). Here is the awaited list of accessories that have been tempting us to spend that little extra to style our outfit every day this Spring/ Summer season. The Guru has discovered (thanks to all her wonderful Instagram followers) little jewels that will leave you wondering how you have survived the past years without them. Some of them are new designers and some of them are...

Hello Borough Market! We missed you.

June 19, 2017

“Keep calm and carry on.” – ― British Ministry of Information, 1939. You should forgive this Guru, my darling readers. She hasn’t stuck to her promise (very unlike her) of providing you this week with a selection of the most gorgeous fur accessories for the summer. You see, most important matters have happened for the past days, not only in the life of this Guru but, unfortunately in the life of thousands of Londoners. Borough Market’s attack and Grenfell Tower’s fire brought a sad taint...

About Werewolves and Guilty Pleasures

May 26, 2017

“Rebellion cannot exist without the feeling that somewhere, in some way, you are justified.” – Albert Camus. There are quite a few things the Fur Guru enjoys but one of the most delightful is to listen about myths and very old stories of how we have justified our “naughty” side throughout history. Personally, since early years, I have been of the naughty bunch: trying new things, questioning my parents when I wasn’t allowed (bless them!) and pushing boundaries were some of my preferred activities in...

Jesus Lorenzo: Some medicine for the gloomy days (and hearts)

May 19, 2017

“Elegance is elimination.” – ― Cristobal Balenciaga. Lately, this Guru has been out and about around London: enjoying the city and all the events that have been occurring and that this fashion and lifestyle lover thought would be relevant to share with you. Today is different, the city is wet and the Guru is a bit run out because of lack of sleep (perks of motherhood) and feels a tiny bit melancholic. To help with the lack of sleep, a good coffee and to help...

People, get ready: FUR NOW Campaign 2017/18

May 12, 2017

“Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life.” – ― Bill Cunningham. Morning my darlings! This Guru is full of excitement as the shooting and filming for FUR NOW 2017/18 Campaign is approaching quickly. Everyone is excited just to look at the pieces that so many of our members have generously sent from all around the world to be showcased. I wish my eyes could take pictures of the detail, the vibrant colours and patterns… Every single one of them reflects a...

From London With Love

May 5, 2017

“Paris is a woman but London is an independent man puffing his pipe in a pub.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The arrival of the Craft Week in London has allowed the Guru to enjoy the work of the most emblematic and respected tailors of Savile Row. Anderson & Sheppard has created, together with other tailors and in collaboration with Beaumont Hotel a commissioned, bespoke, capsule wardrobe. Each tailoring house produced an outfit for Jimmy Beaumont, a fictional character invented...

Hockley London: The Art of Re-Invention

April 25, 2017

“Fawkes is a phoenix, Harry. Phoenixes burst into flame when it is time for them to die and are reborn from the ashes.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Hello beautiful people! The Guru just came back from her (well-deserved) holidays and appears to continue with this self-indulgent attitude. Oh, my dearest readers and there’s no better way to lengthen this mood than by paying a visit to one of the best known and beautiful shops in London: Hockley. The Fur...

YOU Animal, ME Human: In Search of Compatibility.

April 10, 2017

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir. Some (if not most) of the monsters humanity envisages (youngsters and adults) tend to have some sort (or a lot) of animal in them. Why? (the Guru ponders…). Well, this lady believes that it is mainly because of what we have been historically and culturally fed with. By this I’m talking about myths, bedtime stories (yes, you know, the big bad wolf?), folklore. Animals come and go, have appeared and disappeared...

Argentina: The Beautiful Fight for the Future.

April 4, 2017

“The tango is a direct expression of something that poets have often tried to state in words: the belief that a fight may be a celebration.” – Jorge Luis Borges. I have always had a secret curiosity about Argentina. I find their people quite different to the rest of Latin America (in looks and in attitude). Sometimes European trades appear in them but still, they are charged with a fiery and bellicose spirit that comes only from those countries that have had to fight...

The Fur Guru: Ernesto Hinojosa, the Aztec Extravaganza

March 28, 2017

“Firstly, you will walk all the ways of this world before you find yourself.” – Aztec Proverb. Mexican people are well known for their eclectic and sort of crazy approach to life. You didn’t know that? Well, now you know (the Guru said it!). And just to give you a few examples of this endowed country you can always have a look at their folk art. Alebrijes are chimerical creatures created (originally) by Pedro Linares in Mexico City in the 30’s. They were paper mache...

The Fur Guru: Past and Present in Madrid

March 21, 2017

“Certainly paradise, whatever, wherever it be, contains flaws. If it did not, it would be incapable of drawing the hearts of men or angels.” – Henry Miller, Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. She was born at the beginning of the 20th Century (1909 to be precise). Her name was a never-ending thread of six names of which she used the one of Raquel but, secretly, I always preferred the one of Rosario. She lost both her parents at a very young age...

The Fur Guru: Girl Power

March 14, 2017

“How wrong is it for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself?” – Anais Nin. Last Wednesday was another year of celebrating the voice of women for gender parity. Oh dear! And it has been a relentless struggle to achieve it because, even though there has been progress and achievements in this fight, there are still millions of us who face the most unfortunate and undermining, the most precarious and unfair. It would be...

The Fur Guru: REMIX 2017 Show (Part 2)

March 6, 2017

“Creativity takes courage.” Henry Matisse. Buongiorno my dear followers! Yes, in case you didn’t notice, I’m still in my Italian mood. Lets not lose the momentum people! I told you last week there were still great things to come. So, I thought I would continue talking a little bit more about the rest of the highly creative group that accompanied the Fur Guru in her travels in Milan’s Fashion Week. Ladies first… Ólöf is the typical Icelander: relaxed, happy and cool (I wish you could...

The Fur Guru: REMIX 2017 Show (Part 1)

February 28, 2017

“Everybody’s youth is a dream, a form of chemical madness.” F. Scott Fitzgerald. Ciao tutti! Come va? Ha, got you! Sorry, my body is here but my brain is still running on good espresso and the most inspiring catwalks from Milan’s Fashion Week. My dearest readers; so many talented young designers surrounded this Guru! They all reminded me of the far away years of my youth when I was full of dreams, good ideas and stamina. To make my stay more idyllic, I was given...

Hong Kong Fur Gala 2017 皮草之夜

February 24, 2017

Summary of Designers Exhibiting at the 2017 HKFF. Click above to see the slideshow. (16 February - Hong Kong) The Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair 16 to 18 February, an annual highlight on the fashion calendar, kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. An exceptionally all-rounded range of exhibits, ranging from raw materials to fur apparel and accessories were in the limelight. The total exhibition space reached 30,000 square metres to congregate over 210 local and overseas exhibitors from...

Q & A with Ninx from Bewitched, Wiltshire UK

February 21, 2017

Ninx Flanagan, Furrier and Owner Bewitched Ltd. Facebook: facebook.com/bewitched.couture Instagram: @bewitched_couture Online shop: www.bewitchedltd.com Location: Workshop and Show room in Wiltshire, West of London. Hello Ninx: It’s a pleasure to interview you for We Are Fur. Hi, thank you for asking me. How did you get into the fur industry? I always loved fur and have fond memories of my parents going to dinner parties and taking my sister and I, when we were very little, in sleeping bags and laying us down with...

The Fur Guru: Eggert Johannsson, Master of Cool

February 17, 2017

“The Imagists aimed for a certain sort of exactness- not a factually accurate description of an object, but a precise rendition of particular impressions.”— The Silence of Animals, John Gray. I guess you have noticed by now how this Guru is really into detailed description of things, humans, animals and landscapes, everything that surrounds me. I’m quite generous with my adjectives but this time, I’m struggling a bit to describe this person. I think the best way to depict this crafter is by the things, people...

The Fur Guru: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH ICELAND

February 10, 2017

It's your time, It's your day It's never too late to change lanes How's your life? How's your place? Was it where you wanted your head to lay?” Rewind, Sterophonics Am I the only one or is there a time in the life of everyone when you just have to stop? Oh dear! I don’t even want to talk about this but… it might be age. Well, whatever it is, the fact is that it happens. So please my faithful readers, just stop whenever you...

Riccardo Tisci, Creative Director of Givenchy Moves On

February 8, 2017

Riccardo Tisci, exited the French fashion house Givenchy in January 2017 after a 12 year tenure in which he revitalised the brand after the 1995 retirement of founder Hubert de Givenchy .Tisci’s departure was revealed in an exclusive story covered by WWD. His last collections for Givenchy include fall men’s and spring couture exhibited at the National Library of France in Paris on Jan 20. Givenchy is coordinating the production of Tisci’s custom designs for a roster of celebs to appear at the Grammy Awards...

The Fur Guru: REMIX 2017 FINALISTS: An All- Star Team

February 3, 2017

“Got it from the top, it's nothing you can stop Lord, you know they made a fine connection.” —They Love Each Other, Grateful Dead I have always thought that a connection is a difficult thing to find. You have to be extremely lucky to find a person or a group of people in the same place and time that gets you immediately. No explanation required; in the moment you are together, amazing stuff happens. It was while watching a Grateful Dead documentary that I...

The Fur Guru: PARIS FW17: BAD BOYS, PLEASE COME FORTH.

January 27, 2017

“In Paris, everybody wants to be an actor; nobody is content to be a spectator.” —Jean Cocteau I have always had a soft spot for Humphrey Bogart and the original bad boy look. Heart breakers, deceivers... I have had them all. What makes them so irresistible? The idea of these beautiful outlaws reflects independence and unruliness; they do what they want when they want; they don't follow trends, trends follow them. This kind of men often looks scruffy, but hip; he's not looking for trouble,...

The Fur Guru; Nice to Meet You.

January 20, 2017

“Whenever a thing is done for the first time, it releases a little demon.” —Emily Dickinson  Hello world! And welcome to my new blog. Am I nervous? Nah! I have always been up for new things. This is the beginning of a journal that will talk about fashion and about fur, about life-style, designers, catwalks and outstanding pieces. Please excuse me, dear reader, if sometimes it appears quite random but, that’s how life (and my brain) works. Passionate for narrative, I found that designers and...

MILAN Mens Fashion Week Catwalk Report: Our Top 5

January 20, 2017

13 January Ermenegildo Zegna: Milan’s Fashion Week Menswear started with a surfeit of examples of the new trends for this FW17. The fashionistas continued to see athleisure attires and beautiful outfits that mixed cropped pants and fitted sweaters for FW17 as seen on the runways at Ports 1961 with their heavily embellished sweatshirt and Ermenegildo Zegna with its stitched padded jacket. The brand’s first ever overall artistic director, Alessandro Sartori, established a whole collection based on the continuing casualization of menswear. Sartori’s visual declaration to the...

LONDON Mens Fashion Week Catwalk Report (Part 2)

January 12, 2017

08 January Grace Wales Bonner: Directly from the South-East of London, Wales Bonner pursued to turn the average into something astonishing with street-wear raised to new and exhilarating apices. Wales talked about the sentiment behind this collection and this emotion could be felt in every aspect of the show: the inspiring display of clothes, the miscellany of those who walked in this new story that talks about a young generation full of variations, backgrounds and cultures from all around the world. In a choreographic...

LONDON Mens Fashion Week Catwalk Report (Part 1)

January 11, 2017

06 January 2017 Bobby Abley: Securely established and straightaway recognisable the unstoppable force of the Bobby Abley show continued to surprise us with its inimitable charm, waggishness and humour, blending yearning and light-hearted imagery with a contemporary menswear design. Pop culture (splashing Disney cartoon characters, Louis Vuitton-style logos and Muppet-like fur), a favourite theme of Bobby Abley’s inspiration has given way this catwalk to a memory that affected his childhood and those of his generation: the kids action cartoon Mighty Morphing Power Rangers, from 1993....

Anti-Sealing Smear Campaigns Do More Harm Than Good

December 22, 2016

by FELICITY ROBERTS originally posted on The Overcast - Newfloundland's Alternative Newspaper on December 22, 2016 Seals have been politicised for decades now. No matter where you stand on the hunt, there’s no debating the fact that the high profile campaigns of the 70s and 80s, by for-profit groups like Greenpeace and the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), did very serious damage to the industry, and with it, the families and communities that depend on it. It was during those times, with the United...

Russian Fur Union Introduces the Next Generation to Fur

December 21, 2016

Russian Fur Union (RFU) started to develop a new project on introducing 12-15 year old school students to the fur industry. On the 3rd of December 2016, RFU organised a lecture «Fur Rainbow» conducted by the teachers of Moscow State Veterinary Academy which prepare fur specialists. In a frame work of this lecture students were told about fur as ecological and versatile material that can be used in all seasons of the year. Teachers demonstrated big variety of different fur kinds and talked about their...

The 2017 Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair

December 16, 2016

Hong Kong – the world’s largest fur exporter and fur trade centre Hong Kong has long been known as one of the biggest garment exporters in the world, yet many may not realise that this cosmopolitan in South East Asia also claims the globe’s largest fur exporter and fur trading centre! With decades of experience and expertise in fur production and exports, Hong Kong furriers are today shipping their stylish fur accessories and apparel to different corners in the world, gracing the racks of reputable...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 8 (Final)

December 15, 2016

The Bear: —From Pliny the Elder [1st century CE] (Natural History, Book 8, 54): “Bears mate at the beginning of winter, after which the male and female retire to separate caves. The cubs are born thirty days later, in a litter of no more than five. Newborn cubs are a shapeless lump of white flesh, with no eyes or hair, though the claws are visible. The mother bear gradually licks her cubs into their proper shape, and keeps them warm by hugging them to...

Wild and Woolly: Another Reason to Love New York

December 14, 2016

“Listen to the voice of nature, for it holds treasures for you.” - Native North American Saying. Called “the accessory of the season” by The Observer, Nina Cheng’s beautiful fur smartphone cases have brought back to the paths of the trendsetters and fashionistas the tradition and craftsmanship of our industry.We splash out hundreds of pounds on a new smartphone, it would be wild not to spend a little more in order to make sure it doesn’t get scratched or broken. But Chen’s work goes...

What’s Up, Canada Goose?

December 12, 2016

Attention shoppers! Don't mind that violent extremist to your left threatening everyone in the store. The latest tactic from animal rights activists equates the use of coyote to dog fur. "STOP WEARING THAT DOG!" They scream. The protests started with the opening of the brick and mortar store in SoHo, New York City in November 2016. I saw footage online with activists inside the stores picketing sales of coats to customers. How illegal is that? Please don't harass me at the register. Canada Goose rightfully...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 7

December 8, 2016

The Salamander: —From Isidore of Seville [7th century CE] (Etymologies, Book 12, 4:36): “The salamander alone of animals puts out fires; it can live in fire without pain and without being burned. Of all the venomous animals its strength is the greatest because it kills many at once. If it crawls into a tree it poisons all of the fruit, and anyone who eats the fruit will die; if it falls in a well it poisons the water so that any who drink it...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 6

December 2, 2016

The Unicorn: —From Isidore of Seville [7th century CE] (Etymologies, Book 12, 2:12-13): “The unicorn is fierce, strong and swift, and no hunter can catch it. To tame the beast so it can be captured, a virgin girl is placed in its path. The unicorn, seeing the maiden, comes to her and puts its head in her lap and falls asleep. The hunters can then easily capture or kill it.” Shiatzy Chen’s collection for AW16 proved that strength and power also lies on the...

NAFA Releases FRONTROW Magazine FW2016

November 25, 2016

The second issue of FrontRow Magazine is out for distribution Editor Carlotta Pellizzari introduces the Fall Winter 2016 edition with a quick summary. First, she mentions the collaboration between three luxury designers including Gianfranco Ferré Furs and NAFA that was exhibited at MiFur in Milan. She goes on to discuss the cover story about Fendi - the profile behind the brand, an interview with Pietro Beccari, Fendi CEO discussing the immensely successful show at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. NAFA's Vision 2020 is introduced as...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 5

November 24, 2016

The Griffin: —From Bartholomaeus Anglicus [13th century CE] (De proprietatibus rerum, book 18): “The griffin is a beast with wings, and is four footed: and breedeth in the mountains Hyperborean, and is like to the lion in all the parts of the body, and to the eagle only in the head and wings. And griffins keep the mountains in which be gems and precious stones, and suffer them not to be taken from thence.” The spirit of Britain: the chaos, the passion, the hope,...

Stop Saying Fur Is Only for Fashion

November 22, 2016

A Message from Alice in Furs on the Canadian Blog Truth About Fur One of the arguments I hear over and over again is that fur is wrong because we are killing animals “for fashion”. Fur’s main purpose is not for fashion and I think it is time to set the record straight about why the majority of us wear fur. Defined as “A popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration, or behavior” (Oxford Dictionary), fashion is constantly changing. When someone buys something...

Eurasia REMIX 2016 Fashion Show

November 17, 2016

On November 10th 2016, the Russian Fur Union, with the support of the International Fur Federation (IFF) held the 3rd international young designers competition Eurasia REMIX at Palace Suzora in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The annual fashion contest was held in two stages. The first stage of the competition consisted of a jury determining the finalists by the designer’s sketches. Designer’s selected for the second round would then have their ready garments judged by a panel that consisted of: Sergey Stolbov - Chairman of the IFF-Eurasia...

Fur Master Class in St. Petersburg, Russia

November 17, 2016

A master class on the use of modern technologies in the field of design and tailoring of fur products took place at the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Design and Technology, Russia on the 10th November 2016. Organised by the Russian Fur Union (RFU) and supported by the International Fur Federation (IFF), the master class was attended by students and professors of design institutes of St. Petersburg and other Russian cities, as well as representatives of companies involved in sewing fur products. More...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 4

November 17, 2016

The Turtledove: —From Guillaume le Clerc Bestiaire: “Now I must tell you of another bird which is courteous and beautiful, and which loves much and is much loved. This is the turtledove. The male and the female are always together in mountain or in desert, and if perchance the female loses her companion never more will she cease to mourn for him, never more will she sit upon green branch or leaf. Nothing in the world can induce her to take another mate, but...

Asia Remix 2016

November 16, 2016

Japanese won the Grand Prix Asia Remix 2016 —Asia Young Designer Fur Design Competition International Fur Federation, “IFF”, held the “Asia Remix 2016” for the first time in Tokyo, Japan on October 31st, 2016 with the aim of supporting up-and-coming Asian designers and promoting the development of fur designs, techniques and newest fur trend with the support of the Japan Fur Association. Including Mr. Johannes Manakas (Global Chairman of International Fur Federation), Mr. Thomas Wong (Asia Chairman of IFF), Ms. Kelly Xu (IFF Asia CEO),...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 3

November 11, 2016

The Beaver: —From The Aberdeen Bestiary: “In Pontus is a manner kind of beasts, that dwelleth now in land and now in water, and maketh houses and dens arrayed with wonder craft in the brinks of rivers and of waters. For these beasts live together in flocks, and love beasts of the same kind, and come together and cut rods and sticks with their teeth, and bring them home to their dens in a wonder wise, for they lay one of them upright on the...

Smoda: The Spanish Fashion Love Affair with Fur Returns

November 2, 2016

“At the heart of all great art is an essential melancholy.” -Federico Garcia Lorca Passionate by nature and passionate by choice, Spain is a country that has gifted the world with invaluable endowments like the candorous words of Garcia Lorca, the playful art of Picasso and the tantalizing insanity of Dali. It is a country that has channeled its past and history through an inexhaustible creative force. All the originators of this force have reflected through art, design and fashion a personal vision of the...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 2

October 31, 2016

The Phoenix: —From The Aberdeen Bestiary: “When its time is come, it enters the covering and dies. From the fluid of its flesh a worm arises and gradually grows to maturity; when the appropriate time has come, it acquires wings to fly, and regains its previous appearance and form. Let this bird teach us, therefore, by its own example to believe in the resurrection of the body; lacking both an example to follow and any sense of reason, it reinvests itself with the very signs...

Welfur Initiative Gets BBC Coverage

October 20, 2016

WelFur is a new scheme developed to ensure animal welfare is a priority before fur pelts reach the auction houses. The program is entirely voluntary, although the auction houses will not sell furs that are not WelFur certified from 2020 onward. The scientist Jens Malmkvist from Aarhus University in Denmark is one of the scientists developing the new standards in fur farming. The scientists and veterinarians involved in the process are non-biased and unpaid from the fur farms. They are sponsored through the governments. "It...

The Book of Beasts: Chapter 1

October 19, 2016

"When in doubt, follow the senses of beasts." —F.T. McKinstry Animals had been there from the start, even before Adam was created. So for the educated men and women who studied their form, their characters, and their doings, these little pockets of intelligence running across the face of the earth, swimming in the depths of the ocean, and rising in the heavens, were constantly revealing God’s secrets. This interest began in medieval times. Animals extended from the real relationships that man had with them in...

Fendi and Saga Furs in Support of Young Talents for the Magic of Fur

October 6, 2016

FENDI and Saga Furs in support of young talents for the magic of fur Aiming at inspiring design students with the magic of fur as well as conveying the traditional fur skill and craft to the next generation, FENDI and Saga Furs have developed a unique internship experience for young talents to showcase their flair of creativity in fur design. Two leading design schools, London College of Fashion (LCF) in London and Accademia Costume & Moda (ACM) in Rome, were chosen as the hosts for...

CLIA Announce Updated Standards for Fur-Bearing Animals

October 6, 2016

On the 27th of June 2016, the China Fur Commission of the China Leather Industry Association (otherwise known as CLIA, an IFF member) held a press conference in Beijing to announce the updated standards for farming of fur-bearing animals. There was some media in attendance but further to this, the related press release was distributed to 23 major news portals (e.g. China Daily, Xinhua etc.).The original press release can be seen here in Chinese (HTTP://WWW.CHINALEATHER.ORG/NEWS/20160627/288754.SHTML). The original guidelines were released in 2005 and the updated...

Fendi Bags Are The Face For Fall Winter 2016

August 9, 2016

There is a new ‘face’ in town this Fall Winter 2016, thanks to Fendi. The brand that brought us the quirky and coveted bag bugs has something new and cute to join your bag collection.The new ‘faces’ collection (Inspired by the millennia generation emojis and emoticons) cleverly uses hardware to create different face motifs on their new colour block bag designs. Complimented by bold colours, they achieve a very graphic appeal and most importantly, looking exceptionally Instagram friendly. And since kitschy is the hot trend now, the more...

Ralph Rucci: Fur as Art, Art as Life.

August 3, 2016

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” —Edgar Degas In an interview with Ike Ude, Ralph Rucci was asked: “What is fabric to you?” He replied: “It’s life, it’s everything, it’s essential”. He declared himself against synthetic fabrics, as these do not have the qualities that his clothes need to have. He also talked about his concern of the small amount of sources of natural fabrics or materials because of the demand, quantity and price. He still uses “extraordinary synthetic...

Fur Spotlight: A Close-Up of Haute Couture Paris AW 2016 – 2017 PT. 2

August 1, 2016

Alexandre Vauthier Starting as an assistant for Thierry Mugler Couture, Alexandre Vauthier later moved on to Jean Paul Gaultier as head designer for eight years. In 2009, he had his first fashion show in Paris. Since then, Christian Louboutin has designed the shoes for his shows. From 2011 to 2014 Vauthier was a guest member of the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture. Since December 2014 he is an official member enabling his fashion house to use the term “haute couture.” Alexandre Vauthier takes camouflage...

Sander Lak: The Beauty of Eclecticism and a Touch of Fur

August 1, 2016

“The voice of beauty speaks softly; it creeps only into the most fully awakened souls.” -Friedrich Nietzsche Psychology describes the term eclectic as the approach that takes formulas and techniques from different theories to create an integrated style. And in some ways, it describes quite accurately Sander Lak’s work. Sander Lak is a theorist; and his theories are based on his personal journey through London’s Central Saint Martins, working for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Phillip Lim and Christophe Decarnin, before taking over as head...

Fur Spotlight: A Close-Up of Haute Couture Paris AW 2016 pt. 1

July 29, 2016

Haute Couture Fur Francesco Scognamiglio “I knew it was my dream since the beginning,” -said Francesco Scognamiglio of his invitation from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to be a guest member and open the Haute Couture week in the Ville Lumière. He illustrates further how his dream began as a 19 year old tailor in Naples transcending him into a present year full of gold thread hand-embroidered rococo, luxury black minks and stoles, and of course naturally strikingly women in beautiful hotels. Francesco...

FUR NEWS: Style Authority Update with NAFA at MiFur, Milan

July 27, 2016

MiFur Milan is an annual trade show consisting of 87 Italian exhibitors, 75 foreign exhibitors presenting in four thematic areas while holding a special area for international buyers across the entire supply chain. Buyers came from countries including Russia, Korea, Eastern Europe, Korea, China, America and Europe. The event was held this year on March 2-5, 2016 and is scheduled for February 24-27 2017. The design trend at MiFur leaned toward cashmere, nylon and down fabrics mixed with quality Sable, Lynx, and sheared fur. Fur...

Farley Chatto: About Love of Fur and Love of the Homeland

July 27, 2016

“In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” —Erik Erikson "It's nice to see a Canadian promoting fur” because for Farley Chatto, Canadian identity is as important as cool-weather style and the different fur types he uses in his collections. They feature luxury furs including mink, fox and chinchilla. And it is the passion for his homeland and his knowledge of fur what made Canadian born Drake, in his last visit to Toronto, to...

MEN’S FUR: FASHION WEEK SS17 REVIEW PT.2

July 25, 2016

Men's Fur SS17 PARIS Y/Project Y/Project was a catwalk journey back to the 90s. Glenn Marten mixed tuxedos, track pants, denim and flowers in pastel colours with a trip to dub reggae and jammin’ tunes. There was also an unexpected use of materials creating innovative and multi-cultural silhouettes; both tough and dreamy with a touch of cow skin jackets. Louis Vuitton Gentlemen travellers walked down Louis Vuitton catwalk. Maybe fetishist ones, I ought to say, as plenty of them worn leather chokers and padlock necklaces...

Men’s Fur: Fashion Week SS17 Review pt. 1

July 22, 2016

How beautiful maleness is, if it finds its right expression. -D.H. Lawrence LONDON FASHION WEEK The Agi & Sam collection was based on Sam’s personal experiences that proved how man and woman roles have changed throughout the years. Sam’s father was bitten by a cow, got tetanus and was forced to stay home as a house husband. Sam’s mother then went on to work trading roles. A visual version of I Want To Break Free from Freddie Mercury could be the best way of describing...

Kendall Jenner in Fur Style for Fendi 2016 Ad Campaign

July 21, 2016

She’s cold. She’s gorgeous. She’s laying on a glacier.She kicks up her heels, makes eye contact with the camera, and snuggles inside Fendi fur. Her coat is a blend of cool blue and black stripes as well as spots to break up the pattern. It’s a bit shaggy—especially at the top around the collar and nearer to the sleeves. The coat also fits toward the waist showing off her trim waistline. It’s more oversized toward the chest giving her lots of cuddle room. The white...

Asia REMIX 2016 Finalists Announced

July 14, 2016

Thanks to a panel of judges, the finalists for Asia REMIX 2016 have been announced. The designers that gained the top 10 scores have been invited to compete for the women's wear category at the final event in Asia REMIX 2016 in Tokyo, Japan on 31st October, 2016. The 10 finalists are as follows (In alphabetical order): Yuki Ando (Japan) Ryu Kaga (Japan) Chie Kato (Japan) Eunjin Lee (Korea) Hanju Lee (Korea) Seungeung Lee (Korea) Cho Po (Hong Kong) Hiroshi Suzuki (Japan) Li Xuan Xuan...

Michael Kors: In Search of Individuality

July 13, 2016

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect).” - Mark Twain. Michael Kors Fur Michael Kors said he was looking at an individual style this season. A task difficult to achieve for a brand as large scale as his. Kors was not just feeding us a line when he described the direction of his last Fall-Winter collection as “the inimitable chic of individual style but also a cool and flirty for sophisticated, effortless girls”....

Fendi Fur—Legends and Fairy Tales

July 11, 2016

Legends and Fairy Tales—a runway show straight out of a storybook. The recently refurbished Fellini-esque Trevi fountain was a majestic host for the magic of Fendi Fur. Karl Lagerfeld introduced folklore into his patternmaking. This approach was based on the work of Danish storybook illustrator Kay Nielsen. More specifically Karl chose East of the Sun and West of the Moon created in 1914 by folklorists Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe. The fairytale was based on stories they encountered in their conversations on...

Jason Wu Fur Pragmatist

July 11, 2016

There is nothing so practical as a good theory. —Kurt Lewin Best known for designing first lady Michelle Obama's inauguration ball gowns in 2009 and 2013, 33 year old Jason Wu is considered as the next-generation designer. He is one of the few willing to openly discuss fur. For him, fur is not a political speech, but just another material, like wool or silk, that is a backdrop for his inventiveness. He allows the practical side of fur; its behaviour and characteristics, to dictate the...

COACH: A Rebel with a Cause

June 27, 2016

COACH SS17 Fur “One thing a girl loves more than a bad boy is a self-aware bad boy.” S.A. Tawks, Misadventurous. Biker jackets re- touched with graffiti, studded backpacks and loafers and spray-on leather trousers. Models; undone James Dean quiffs and painted on tattoos, served as a fitting adjunct to Vevers’ American dream. All of them served as the groundwork in a show in which the Doncaster designer repackaged codes synonymous with cult American culture. A sort of “boys gone wild” kind of labelling for the...

Kopenhagen Fur Sneakers go high-tech at London Graduate Fashion Week

June 27, 2016

Kopenhagen Fur Sneakers The furrier has collaborated on some successfully selling sneakers in the past. In London Graduate Fashion week, they exhibited their most daring creation as of yet. Kopenhagen Fur has teamed up with Lenovo and the China Academy of Art to produce a highly sophisticated pair of sneakers. The first of it’s kind, pairs high quality fur for excellent comfort with the technology to monitor your health. They are capable of counting steps, reporting data into a cloud through a unique app, as...

Grace Wales Bonner: The Identity Impersonator

June 22, 2016

“Fashion has to reflect who you are, what you feel at the moment, and where you’re going.” — Pharrell Williams Grace has had a meteoric rise in the fashion world through her gender-fluid collections that are rich in narrative while exploring ideas surrounding black male sexuality and identity. Her work is characterised by the exploration of how blackness is perceived. This seems to be a driving force behind Grace Wales Bonner’s collections. Her BA collection was Kerry James Marshall and ‘70s era Blaxploitation, specifically Melvin Van...

Resort 2017 Review Part 2

June 16, 2016

Sally La Pointe: We continue our review of the recent Resort 2017 shows with Sally La Pointe's show at her Chinatown studio. While we appreciate the trend in collections presentations that is moving towards the buy now-wear now fashion model, we also appreciate season-less dressing altogether. Today’s modern woman has one closet and it rotates around the clock, around the year, and cycles in a few trend pieces to keep it fresh. What Sally LaPointe does so well is to create timeless pieces with mix...

Fur Asia: Designer Spotlight

June 15, 2016

Our Fur Asia workshops are coming to a close today after a fun week lectured by two designers who were former fur futures members. Coen Carsten and Ernesto Hinojosa Ruiz both discussed current fur trends in the fashion industry to students of the Asia region. Coen Carstens Independent designer based in Amsterdam creates unique techniques in fur for brands including Versace and Viktor & Rolf. His work includes use of knit and pattern stitching to create a lighter feel with a stretchable form so as...

JW Anderson Shows Us His World

June 14, 2016

'Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world's view of us.' —Virginia Woolf JW Anderson Fur History and the world itself present themselves in quite a repetitive pattern. What changes our perception and feelings towards them is how we remember and portray them in our minds. And this is how fashion becomes such a human way of representation. It is a story describing our times...