GETTING FOXY THIS WINTER

Fox fur is known for its striking organic colours and soft feel but hardy nature, making it a popular choice in the outerwear of classic couture. In addition, its ease of use with new technologies has enticed a whole new generation of visionary designers in ready-to-wear, with some showing a clear preference for its inherent sheen and pure volume.

Alexander McQueen’s seemingly ‘Black Swan’ inspired Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection heavily utilised fox fur in jet blacks, silvers and lavender in feathered fashion on a range of coats, jackets and dresses that appeared to pirouette down the runway. Nina Ricci used only fox in her latest collection in blacks and whites trimming lapels and collars, finishing dress or skirt hemlines and capturing a wide-brimmed winter spirit in hats. As did Christian Cota, who presented full-length fox fur coats, printed vests and two-tone colours mixed with complimenting materials such as wool and leather.

Coats saw creations in full fox fur from Altuzarra’s grey and black stripe that elegantly reached the knee, Venexiana gave length in a fitted, tiered line with large belt and oversized collar or Salvatore Ferragamo kept the contrast of black and white in vintage shapes. Shorter styles came from Viktor + Rolf, tiled from Theysken's Theory, Peter Som’s material mixture and patchwork patterning from Vanessa Bruno. Infused with colour, distinctively different hues and graduated tones on fur fashion this season come from Zac Posen, Valentin Yudashkin, the bright yellow of Philosophy, striking reds and cobalt blue’s of Roksanda Ilincic and the subtly sumptuous hues of burgundy and cinnamon from Valentino’s horizontal fox coats.

Trims also came blended with tradition to express classic silhouettes from the likes of Zang Toi with collars lining tweed for dinner suits, capes, coats and blazers or shoulder and hemline contrasts on cashmere from Wes Gordon. The season trend of high collars were seen from Vivienne Tam, Marc Jacobs and Todd Lynn or oversized collars from Prada, Loewe, JPBraganza and Malandrino, while the ever diverse Vera Wang changed it up with detachable fox linings on coats, vests and jackets. Blugirl accentuated shoulders in full-volume capelets and belted vests, as did Yves Saint Laurent with a boucle mix shrug.

Byblos’ rounded skirt looked the perfect winter companion, as did Marni’s stripe variation with feathered effect. While moving to dress it up even further, Lanvin combined modes in their pieced fox coatdress, Krizia got criss-crossed on bodices and Luca Luca added embroidered silver fox to their pewter lace cocktail dress for the ultimate in luxury fur fashion evening wear.

Accessories bring forth that fox fur fun with shoe trims from Mark Fast and the handbags of John Richmond and Isaac Mizrahi. Foxy flair that’s gone to our heads sees fox-brimmed Cossack and Louz hats from Oscar de la Renta, or trapper hats from fashion legend Hermés. Another fox to take on Hollywood sees gloves invoking that silver screen feel with luxury trims from Marni and Moschino Cheap & Chic trim and cuff for their fox fur hand and arm warmers.

High necks maybe a permanent fixture on current coats but separate collars are a must-have accessory over the cooler months and come in a kaleidoscope of caressing colours from the vibrant Versace. Similarly, the versatile stole can convert from collar or scarf effect to shoulder wrap with neutral hues from Matthew Williamson, rich foxy red from Martin Grant, dark tones in full length from Leonard or neon brights from the effortlessly effervescent Sonia Rykiel this winter.

Author Bio:

IFTF is an independent international federation of national fur Farming associations and organisations. Iftf is working for conservation welfare and promoting fur.