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Fur is back in fashion
8/8/2005 10:30

Shanghai Daily news

China is now the world's largest production center for fur garments and worldwide sales of fur in 2004-05 already top US$12 billion.
Seen on the runway, in top fashion magazines and in the wardrobes of fashion trendsetters, fur is becoming a highly coveted luxury item nowadays.
On the New York and Milan catwalks, fur is taking center stage in the collections of some of today's top designers, including Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors.
When it comes to incorporating fur into the very fabric of fashion, New York superstar designer Zac Posen is tops: He sews strips of blue fox onto camel-colored stretch jersey.
Next, Carolina Herrera, in a young, ladylike, sable-filled presentation, inserted plush strips of mink into pleats. Zang Toi inserted mink into his de luxe eveningwear in the form of both appliques and trim. In the coming season, fur fashion will celebrate luxury and individual expression through the versatility of design.
At the end of last month, the North American Fur Association (NAFA) showcased the newest fur fashion trends for autumn/winter 2005 in Beijing. Moving away from traditional runway shows, the presentation featured informal modeling combined with a still-life presentation, thus enabling the audience and fashion stylists alike to have a close-up of the details and intricate artistry of fur fashion.
The show highlighted the designs of several award-winning Canadians including Izzy Camilleri, Paul Hardy and David Dixon plus this year's recipient of the "Designer of the Year" award, Cyncin.
In addition, one of China's popular designer labels "Michelle" presented a special collection of NAFA accessories and fashion garments.
Innovations in dying, shearing, laser cutting and embellishing give designers license to let their creativity run wild.
The show screamed femininity with pinks, oranges, greens, baby blues and pastels leading the way. Whether in sexy, sporty styles or more formal silhouettes, the colors of sweetness and innocence will make a mark.
From richly colored furs in mouthwatering hues of juicy sweetness to luxuriously sheared minks that appear to melt under the touch, these designs show a more delicate and softer side.
The increasing attention paid to fur by top fashion and consumer publications is no accident. According to NAFA, the sales of fur garments and accessories have been steadily increasing in the past several years. In 2003-04 worldwide sales were US$11.7 billion. For the 2004-05 season, sales are said to be already well in excess of US$12 billion.
Diane Benedetti, international marketing director of NAFA, points out that China is the world's largest production center for fur garments with more than 80 percent of fur skins sold at auctions being sent to China for processing.
A large proportion of the finished garments are reexported but China itself has a large domestic market. Exact figures for local consumption are not available but China is thought to be one of the three largest retail markets.
"I would say that we will experience continued growth in retail fur sales in China," says Benedetti. "The northeast market may remain steady due to saturation but areas like Shanghai and other major cities in the southeast will grow because of the demand for fur fashions."