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Faux Fur

Fur is back, but this time no animals were hurt in the making of that wrap

by Jessica Fromm on Jan 11, 2010
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FEAR NOT, fluffy woodland creatures: although fur has really taken off this winter, fashion designers and style leaders agree that it’s better to fake it. Mock mink, reproduction rabbit, simulated sable and fabricated fox now pack the racks, not to mention fuzzy, neon-colored interpretations that are obviously meant to look counterfeit.

Far from that tacky roadkill look of yesteryear, much of the faux fur on the market today is virtually interchangeable with the real thing. Artificial-fur manufacturers have gotten so good that often, unless one actually runs a hand over the fluff itself, the eye can hardly discern if it’s polyester or the real deal.

One of the most versatile new interpretations of this faux-fur trend is the oh-so-hip shaggy fur vest. Boho-chic skeletor Rachel Zoe is credited with reviving this look from its burial ground in the 1960s, but fur vests have still managed to become pretty ubiquitous with the twentysomething set as of late.

Almost every designer seems to have his or her own take on this hirsute trend. English label Religion goes for a rock-chick approach, pairing its flocculent, black studded vest with a satin cocktail dress and artfully ripped black tights. French fashion brand Kookai offers an array of elegant faux fur and shearling gilets (that’s what the French call sleeveless jackets) to choose from in its winter 2009 collection, while Rebecca Taylor and Michael Kors do reproduction mink right.

As with any bold garment that adds fluff and volume, one should remember to keep the rest of the look simple. Loud makeup or chunky jewelry paired with a massive fur vest will scream “trying too hard.” If one is going the pants route with this look, stick with a straight or skinny silhouette, or even a pair of leggings for the bold. Avoid bell bottoms like the plague (no one wants to look like Ringo visiting the Maharishi) and keep skirts mini or pencil but for sure fitted.

Here’s another layering option for this wearable fake pelt. Remember that flimsy summer dress that hasn’t seen the light of day since the balmy days of last August? Try putting a fitted long-sleeve top under it, slap on a pair of opaque black tights and finish it all off with a shaggy fur vest. With this look, one will be ready to face the winter chill in cozy style.



by Jessica Fromm on Jan 11, 2010
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