The fashion frontline: Trend – Fur

By Shanel Williams-O’Reilly

As the winter chill begins to set in and the quest to keep oneself warm seems to become an unattainable endeavour, the time has finally arrived to clamber to the back of our wardrobes and cordially reach for this season’s ubiquitous classic. From cavemen to catwalks and everywhere in between, what is it about fur that makes it just so delectable?

Clearly a firm textile favourite of mine and with so many studiously collected over the years, the temptation to don any one of my beloved but equally dramatic fur pieces to the local shop has sometimes proven too much restraint.

It all starts from the moment I unzip the charcoal grey, embossed print garment bag with gold twill edging and a smooth matte finish.  As I reach for the dark, wooden hanger, I can’t help but to run my fingers down the front of the unruffled fibres that protrude beneath the opening. I then very carefully, as if it were the most fragile item in the world, lift my fur out and lay it down gently and, then I simply stand back and admire.

I know it sounds outrageous but not only did this become an unconscious ritual, it is now officially just another one of my idiosyncratic forms of meditation.

After this, I proceed to slip it over my shoulders and strike various suggestive poses in front of the full length mirror, as I imagine how enriched my night or day out will be because I’ll be wearing it and most definitely working it.

Such a time-honoured fashion staple, fur in its heritage, has developed a personality of it it’s own. Whether it’s the plush, luxurious texture, the security of its warmth or it’s quintessential elegance; you cant deny that it has the ability to evoke a certain passion and implied sense of drama; the fashion disposition of supreme glamour.

This season, the designers have showcased the trend with both a fun and fierce enthusiasm, showing no age, class or gender barriers.  

This season there are no rules when it comes to fur and all its finery. With statement graphics, playful patchwork and fifty shapes and shades of any colour at your finger tips, whether you choose a coat, a stole, a hat, bag or integrated outfit trimmings, take extra comfort in knowing that there is no need to compromise on style when you can have timeless functionality that is bang on fleek.

As always, here are a few of my season faves.