Fur

Fur is one of the oldest fabrics in existence, historically made from tufts of animal hair attached to their leather, known as a pelt or hide, or laterally created by synthetic fibres, fed through a backing textile to create thermally insulated coats, boots, hats and scarves. It is a popular material for contemporary use in fashionable clothing, as certain rare, highly prized animals were hunted and used to create ‘exotic’ furs displays of wealth and opulence in the 17th and 18th centuries by the upper social classes as only they could afford to source and hunt the finest, rarest, highest quality or most unique species of animals. This has promoted its modern day perceptions and use in fashion for its associations with class, grandeur and sophistication, promoted by its selective and exclusive use and reputation. Lower classes were only permitted to wear more ‘common’ furs of locally caught and killed game. Fur had however been used for millennia as an effective, warm, dry and highly durable and low maintenance form of clothing in harsh, cold and wet climates. Nowadays, commercial use of fur is considered unethical, as it involves the wanton killing of animals for non essential purposes, promoting unsustainable poaching of endangered animals for the exotic fur trade. As a result, fur has become less popular in recent times however, the potential for synthetic fibres to mimic the ‘genuine’ product with faux fur have helped it maintain a degree of popularity, while reducing its cost, making it more accessible to a wider range of people, possessing connotations of sophistication, opulence and class associated with its cultural value. The medium hue, pastel green dye of this fur texture pairs well with dark or neutral tones to create a focal, statement piece of clothing or home accessory, and can also be used as rugs in domestic and hospitality and hotel settings as a natural texture in combination with other organic patterned surfaces for a homogenous, reassuring aesthetic. It can also be used to unify a range of bright, vibrant and bold synthetic colours, patterns and forms to create an exciting, dynamic vibe.