Decadent designer Tom Ford has come out with a limited edition collection of fur boots for men, with the top-priced pair commanding $9,240. The collection, calculated to appeal to wealthy glam junkies and luxury ski freaks in places like Aspen and Gstaad, consists of three pairs of boots and a compatible fur trapper hat. There are silver and tan natural fur boots for $5,250; chocolate brown kid fur boots for $4,470 (above) both with rawhide leather laces; and a somewhat dressier pair of natural brown otter fur boots which cost the $9,240. The hat is made of white badger fur and costs $4,510. Ford has become known for pushing the boundaries of luxury for men, and this collection is certainly no exception.
Eco-Luxury Fur's slogan is "all of the luxury, none of the guilt," but depending on why exactly it is that you feel guilty about fur in the first place that slogan may not be accurate. The fur doesn't come from cruelly raised animals but it still comes from animals, brushtail possum animals in particular. Apparently the possums are breeding like crazy and destroying forests in New Zealand, so the pitch is that trapping and killing them is good for the environment.
Sounds like a publicity move to me -- they're just trying to cash in on the latest "eco" craze and all the good vibes and cash that come along with it. Some people still love their furs, so I'm sure they'll do some good business, but so far (according to the WSJ) they haven't sold a single possum throw. What do you think, truly guilt free or just a gimmick to sell more pelts?
I've always considered the hammock to be a summer luxury, a soft rope or cloth support for a nap in the sun. What, then, to make then of the fur hammock from Bless? The hammock is backed with black cotton but lined in coyote fur. The description says that it is "perfect for a quick cat nap in a secluded nook" so I'm guessing this one isn't really for outdoor use (or at least not to be left outside to weather the elements as many hammocks are). It sells for $8,200.
Take luxury to new heights with Be & D's Greta Clutch. Made of chinchilla and accented with an oversized black patent python buckle, this adds "ooh la la" to the most mundane and monochromatic outfits. Soft to the touch and beautifully constructed, the Greta Clutch is exquisite. I cannot speak to how well chinchilla holds up or how durable it is when held in someone's hand for possibly hours – especially if you have sweaty palms – but nonetheless it is gorgeous. The interior is lined with suede and features a zippered pocket to store delicate and personal items. Clutch dimensions: 13" L x 3" W x 6" H. Price: $995.
This is one expensive bed, and we are not even talking about the bed itself, just the coverings. Purveyors of pricey sheets, Frette have created a new limited edition sheet set. Helena, inspired by Helen of Troy, is a duvet set with a cover, two square shams and two boudoirs which are a modern interpretation of antique silk damask with gold brocade. The sets are made of silk and silk shantung with golden lame threads. The set is a limited edition of 99 pieces which sell for $6,000 per set. To match the set Frette has also created a throws and cushions in natural brown Barguzinski Silvery Sable, backed in burnished gold shantung silk. It sells for an astounding $85,000. You can admire the collection in Frette windows starting in November.
This plush, chocolate-colored Kate Spade bag was inspired by the city on Lake Genevain Switzerland that shares its name, Lausanne. The Lausanne Plie bag tries to capture the "chic sensibility" and "rich culture" of the quiet town by combining rich beaver fur with luxurious snakeskin leather. The bag has a drawstring closure and is topped with a thick braided leather handle with gold accents. It measures 11.8"h x 16.5"w x 6.3"d and, like all of Kate's bags, this one also has her signature larabee dot lining. Price: $995.
When the days are short and the nights are long, it's hard not to want to bundle yourself into the warmest coat you can find and, even if you don't necessarily approve of wearing fur, you have to admit that the fur-wearers always look toasty. Anthropologie's Carriage Coat has the look of fur, but is synthetic. 'Tis the season to save some animals and still look stylish, right? Fortunately, the only thing that is noticeably unrealistic about this coat is that it lacks the faint animal smell of real fur. It feels wonderfully warm when draped around your shoulders and has a very flattering cut to it. Price: $218.
Once in a while, I come across a handbag that is so hideous I cannot resist writing about it, despite the fact that I am usually only looking out for attractive bags. The last time this happened, I wrote about the Swamp Thing-inspired bag from Toos. This Fox Fur Bag by Renaud Pellegrino (orig.: $5,095, sale: $3,566) is worse. Fur bags are fine, especially in the winter, when they're tastefully done, but it looks as though the designer completely forgot what to do with the hide once he had it. Anyone carrying this big will unquestionably look as though they are carrying a limp, dead animal with them - which is depressing, as well as unattractive.
You can't get a much more luxurious blanket than a mink throw. The Sophia Mink Throw from Frette is an ultra-soft, plush blanket made of 100% mink on top and silky 100% silk on the bottom. The silk picks up on body heat instantly without getting itchy, like cashmere or some other materials can, while the mink adds heft to hold in the warmth. It measures 53.1-in. by 14.6-in. Price: $14,000.
Need something to do with grandma's old fur? If the fur is too old-fashioned or you just feel guilty wearing it around town you could always convert it into a teddy bear. The Bella Bear Company turns old mink stoles and vintage fox or sheared beaver coats into snuggly soft teddy bears. The bears have moveable joints and hand-sculpted faces. They charge from $99 to $199 for a bear made with your fur or you can buy a bear like the chocolate mink shown here for $275.
Colder weather means that it's time for some cold weather accessories, and nothing keeps you warmer than a snuggly scarf - or better yet, an elegant stole. Rather than use real fur, you can get a knit Fox Stole from Anthropologie. This patchwork fox is made of tartan wool with a fluffy wool tail. It will keep you warm on a cold day and will definitely keep any anti-fur friends happy. As an added bonus, it's much cuter than wearing a real dead animal around your neck. Price: $148.
This bag is better than stuffing a puppy into your purse, if you are among those who enjoy carrying around small furry things. Cynthia Rowley's Crossbody Fur Bag has a large flap closure covered with fluffy coyote fur on a soft leather bag in either chestnut brown or black. Lightweight and fully-lined, the bag is easy to carry and sure to attract attention - just hopefully not of any kids with stick fingers who might want to touch the fur! The shoulder strap is wide, comfortable and adjustable, so you can make sure that the bag sits right where you want it to. Price: $675.
Real fur has long been one of the materials of choice for the cool-weather clothes of the well dressed and the well-to-do. Even in the face of protestors, it has retained its elegance and you are guaranteed to see many women in furs out in New York City, for example, in the winter. Juicy Couture is trying to bring fur down a little, judging from the look of their Reversible Fleece Hoodie with Rabbit Fur. The cotton fleece hoodie has a drawstring hood and distressed seams, which contrast with its fur vest lining. Though reversible, even having the soft rabbit fur clearly visible does little for the look. Let's face it: you can't dress up a fleece hoodie no matter how much fur you put into it. The only question is to whether pieces like this one will spark a trend of more casual uses of fur, possibly eliminating a lot of the prestige associated with its use, or not. Price: $650.
