Fur back in vogue with

Photo submitted

FURS ARE the perfect way to break ia the holiday sesson . This lynx-
dyed fox coat with removable boa, sleeves worked in elegant twists and
turns,is one of several furs in vogue for Christmas ’88.

Toys to inspire long
after Christmas...

De

SCIENCE &
NATURECO

The educational toy you give this
Christmas could Jast your child a
lifetime. Visit the new toy store in the

Kids' Alley, Lonsdale Quay...

Presents with a future!

THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER

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

What better way to a-"ive 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 tull in the 1970s, fur is
now back in vogue with a
vengeance, but there are some im-
portant things for fur owners to
keep in mind this season.

Fur expert Melissa Simmons at-
tributes this bold increase in pepu-
larity 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 mod-
ern 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 longevi-

y.

“Besides the obvious considera-
tion of price,’’ Simmons says, “‘the
most important factors in buying a
fur are the three F’s — fashion, fit

the issues affecting you and your neighbourhood.

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NOVEMBER 18, 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.

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SATURDAY, NOV, 19 oniy

39 — Wednesday, November 16, 1988 - North Shore News

and function.**

Function, or lifestyle, is proba-
bly the most important, she adds.
“‘Whether you spend your winters
skiing at St. Moritz or shovelling
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? Lit-
tle things count. If you spend a lot
of time in a car, for instance, a
jacket might be a better buy, since
the constant friction of the coat
rubbing against the car seat will
cause wear.’”

Fashion is also an important
consideration. Simmons says,
“Some women may revel in the
glamor and drama of a full-length,
long-haired fur, while others may
not wish to make such a statement.

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

Simmons also stresses the im-
portance of fit. ‘‘A good fur must
hang properly from your shoulder
area. If the piece fecls heavy or

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vengeance

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 seai for petite
women, and full-length for larger
women.

Geography should be a deter-
mining factor. Very warm furs
such as long-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
quick 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 even-
tually 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

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