Furs make elegant
statement at parties |

CHRISTMAS TIME is now rolling around again, and
with Christmas comes a host of parties and entertain-
ing that often requires that just-perfect clothing look.

What better way to arrive at a Christmas party than
in a fur coat, the perfect fashion statement that
says it all — with definite class, elegance and style.

After a lull in the 1970s, fur is now back in vogue
with a vengeance, but there are some important things
for fur owners to keep in mind this season.

Fur expert Melissa Simmons attributes this bold in-
crease in popularity to ‘‘the. enormous purchasing
clout of affluent young career women.

“It used to be that fur coats were purchased by men
for their older wives,”’ she says. ‘‘But modern women
don’t want to wait for that and can afford not to.’’

Simmons, a textile designer, recently created a
complete source book for the would-be fur owner
with information on how best to protect and ensure a
fur’s longevity. ,

“Besides the obvious consideration of price,”

- Simmons says, ‘‘the most important factors in buying
a fur are the three F’s — fashion, fit and function.”’

Function, or lifestyle, is probably the most impor-
tant, she adds. ‘‘Whether you spend your winters ski-
ing in St. Moritz or shoveling your driveway, you
should keep in mind what your fur will be used for.

‘Will your coat be worn primarily for going to the
office? To social functions? Or both? Little things
count. If you spend a lot of time in a car, for in-
stance, a jacket might be a better buy, since the cons-
tant friction of the coat rubbing against the car. seat
will cause wear.”

Fashion is also an important consideration. Sim-
mons says, ‘Some women may revel. in the glamour

‘starsaanacamnaneneteyyyatan

uy

aT
al

and drama of a full-length, long-haired fur, while
others may not wish to make such a statement.

“Try to envision yourself in your fur in a variety of
situations,’’ Simmons advises. ‘Also, try to pick a
style that won’t be obsolete in seven years. You’re go-
ing to own your fur for a while, so a good bet is to
stick with a more clas.ic look.”*

Simmons also stresses the importance of fit. ‘“‘A
good fur must hang properly from your shculder
area. If the piece feels heavy or bulky on your frame,
it’s probably poorly made,”’ she says.

“The garment should also be roomy. Coats that are

too snug will rip in strategic places like the underarm
or shoulder area.’? Simmons suggests shorter haired
furs like lamb or seal for petite women, and full-
length for larger women. :
’ Geography should be a determining factor. Very
warm furs such as Jong-haired beaver and raccoon
would be too heavy for an area like the Lower
Mainland.

Once purchased, the fur needs special care to ensure
years of wear and enjoyment. Here are some tips:

© Store the garment in a closet with plenty of room.
If it’s crushed up against other garments, the tips of
the hairs will bend and eventually break.

© Use wide-shouldered, padded hangers. This helps
avoid putting stress on certain points, primarily the
shoulder area.

© Touch your. fur the way your furrier does — in
the direction-it- grows. But be gentle. Rubbing fur

briskly creates friction that will eventually cause the .

hairs to break off. .
e Never store the coat in a plastic bag as the leather
will dry out and the fur will shed.

5 ~ Sunday, November 8, 1987 - Christmas News

. Photo submitted
IMAGINE YOURSELF in this designer fur coat for the holiday season.
This Christian Lacroix original — mink with Duchess satin sleeves —
would make a sensation at any yuletide gathering.

New looks for the
holidays; creative
cuts, styles and
quality barbering.

North Park

Men’s Hair
922-9612

North Park Royal
Open Mon-Sun.

Thurs & Fri. til 9pm