FUR’S RISE OF CLIQUE AND COIN

Revivals are without a doubt, the latest craze to sweep the globe. Classic films are being re-made, once favourite bands are re-uniting and as the fashion world welcomes back an old friend in fur; its subsequent appearance fee has seen a very healthy increase.



Fur auctions have indicated that prices across the board were on the rise as fur fashion enjoyed its overdue revival in the Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 season. Over 400 renowned designers incorporated fur into their collections including vocal fur fans Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano. In January, Hong Kong Fashion Week even provided an exclusive fur pavilion which showcased the opulent designs from the HKFF (Hong Kong Fur Federation) and set aside dedicated fur stands. As more designers brave the reproof and stand up to be counted among those who prefer the real thing; prices look set to continue their soar to new heights.



This renewed popularity that has permeated from the catwalks and into the high street, will also see an increase in global fur production through the Origin Assured Label (OA™), which is the Fur Industry’s newest labelling initiative. This claims to be of the highest regulation, ensuring the responsible and sustainable trade of fur at well over 6,000 farms, stationed mainly across Europe and North America. These farms account for over 85% of the Fur Industry with more than 56 million pelts produced from their range of mink, fox, chinchilla, sable, fitch and finn raccoon. As the retail demand continues to rise, the Origin Assured Label and its humane assurances will come into its own, as today’s more conscientious shopper will no doubt be insisting on OA™ only products.



Fur began its real comeback in 2009 with a sales figure that saw a rise of over 58% from that of the baron 1990’s and totalled more than £7.8 billion overall. Mink being the most commonly fur farmed animal within the OA™ programme was the frontrunner, with a steady climb over the same time period that saw a massive 112% increased uptake. Mink production has amplified by 8.5% on a global scale and looks set to maintain its dominance with its high end quality ensuring a strong valuation in 2011. Last year alone, saw the industry make almost £10 million and that is predicted to rise by a further 10-15% in 2011.



The Fur Trade acts as a community and encompasses many experts in the field including designers, farmers, retailers and manufacturers and now employs over two million people across the globe. Each year, they run auctions throughout the seasons at a variety of large, international stages, including the USA, Scandinavia, Canada and Russia, exporting to the emerging economies and mass markets of countries such as China.



2011 looks set to continue its strong fur sales, despite many economists warning that we are not yet out of the global recession, which just goes to prove that the renewed commitment to fur fashions is not just a fad. Andy Lenhart, the Chairman of the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) positively stated, "We are looking forward to further growth in 2011 as designers create new and innovative ways to use fur in their catwalk collections."



Author Bio:



IFTF is an independent international federation of national fur trade associations and organisations. Iftf is working for conservation welfare and promoting fur fashion. Fur industry is highly regulated and committed to environmental conservation