Fur fashion inspiration through times.

The cooler weather not only dictates the way we think about dressing, it also affects our overall mood down to what we like to eat. Cozying-up becomes second nature during the winter months, from comfort foods to dressing oneself toasty-warm, which more often than not includes some kind of rich woolens and furs.

Portrait of Moritz, Buchner, c.1520 by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Sibylle von Kleve, c.1531, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Portrait of a Young Man, 1521, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

For all the fashion history buffs out there, looking at period costumes is not only fun and educational, it sheds a light on the clever practicality of the sartorial past too. Yes, central heating is a rather new development in the history of humanity; folks of yesteryear knew how to keep themselves warm and stylish, just as they do today, with a little help from the international fur trade.

Portrait of Dr. Johannes Scheyring, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Burberry – Fall 2011-Winter 2012

Portrait of Gerhart Volk, 1518, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Trapper hat trimmed in finnraccoon

Portrait of Dr. Johannes Cuspinian, 1502, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Gucci – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

For the privileged aristocratic and bourgeois set of 16th century southern Germany, while there was some practicality to fashion, it was also about presenting oneself in the ultra-luxe and distinctive looks of the day.  Fashion history is accustomed to looking to Western European examples as its style barometer, which is very French-centric. But asides the Courts of France, England or Italy, the southern German State of Saxony shined as brightly as any other courts and warranted some traffic-stopping looks.

Taufe Christi, 1556, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Portrait of a woman, 1539, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Jean Paul Gaultier – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Johannes Carion, c.1530, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Portrait of Katharina von Bora, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Some of the most distinct examples were undeniably chronicled by Lucas Cranach the Elder (4 October 1472 – 16 October 1553), court painter to Duke Friedrich III, “Frederick the Wise”, Elector of Saxony (17 January 1463 – 5 May 1525) and his successors. For fashion designers seeking inspiration for their cold-weather looks the Saxon Style is pure magic! It has enough details, fashion twists and decadence to fuel creativity for many designer collections.

Portraits of Henry the Pious, Duke of Saxony and his wife Katharina von Mecklenburg, 1514, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Portrait of Hans Luther, 1527, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Viktor & Rolf – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Portrait of a Young Woman, 1530, Lucas Cranach the Elder

Portrait of Johann the Steadfast, 1509, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Yves Saint Laurent – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

For designers looking to incorporate more fur into their designs, it is a true treasure-trove of beautiful and clever details, layered in textures and colors, and accented with some seriously jewelry.

Be sure to check out these posts, too:

• Historical Influences in Fashion | The Garrick Coat
• Dressing the Neck | Fur Fashion’s New Focus
• Art in Fashion: Oscar Wilde says
• Fall Fashion Trending: The Art of Symbolism

Portrait of a Lady, 1528, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Céline – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Magdelena of Saxony, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder

BCBG by Maz Azria – Fall 2012-Winter 2013

Its a mans.... fur choice.!

 

In Italy it’s rare to see men in furs but abroad, particularly in northern countries such as Russia and Canada but also in North Europe like Norway and Denmark there are loads.

In the last few years men’s fur has made a comeback in the fashion system, requests have become increasingly consistent and have even aroused the interest of a young London designer whom I spoke about in some previous posts.

I think that a man with a mink fur, a silvered fix waistcoat or a bomber in astrakhan can only be considered extremely elegant and captivating.

Preferring a fur garment is not only an improvement in style choice, it’s a life style choice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards – Red Carpet Review

Love them or hate them, award seasons come and go like fashion weeks, leaving everyone in their path with an opinion. As much as we love swooning over priceless gowns, we must admit – we love the fashion disasters even more. Seriously, in an industry that is so meticulous about image, how do such mistakes even happen?

Hayden Panettiere in Marchesa – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Lucy Liu in Versace – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Kiernan Shipka in Zac Posen – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Kate Mara in Badgley Mischka – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

As reality would have it, nothing is left to chance. Teams of stylists, hair and makeup people are hired to insure red carpet success. For that reason, the Emmys, just like the Oscars, rarely have faux pas. But sometimes the fear of taking chances goes too far, leaving little room for creativity and excitement of the sort that makes audiences gasp in delight. The 64th Annual Primetime Emmy’s reflected just that. It was a lovely curated assortment of beautiful gowns. Nothing exceptional. Nothing outstanding. And sadly, no major fashion disasters to dish about.

Julianna Margulies [and her tan-line] in Giambattist Valli – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Kerry Washington in Vivienne Westwood – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Emily VanCamp in J. Mendel – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Elisabeth Moss in Dolce e Gabbana – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

If you are Old School, you’ll be a little miffed at strapless gowns worn without necklaces. It is a sartorial cardinal rule. Don’t think so? Look back at the 1950s when even Marilyn Monroe wore a little something around her neck to balance her lovely face and her otherworldly décolleté. And come on! It’s not as if there is a shortage of jewelers ready to loan the perfect neck adornment.

Zooey Deschanel in Reem Acra – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Padma Lakshmi in Monique Lhuillier – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Julianne Hough – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Christina Hendricks in Christian Sirano – 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

Regardless of our point-of-view, or anyone else’s for that matter, it cannot be denied that the Emmys do matter. The public loves to see and emulate what their favorite stars are wearing. If a big trend is manifesting itself via the Emmys, it will be reflected in the stores and on the streets. And if the Emmy’s showcased any one trend it is bold colors – especially vibrant yellows (including chartreuse), oranges and deep reds (including ox blood). These bold, rich colors dominated, and we loved it!

The ‘Big Bang Theory’ actress Kaley Cuoco was vibrant in a yellow Angel Sanchez dress

Modern Family’s Julie Bowen in a fetching Monique Lhuillier dress

Julianne Moore in a canary yellow Christian Dior dress.

A pregnant, Claire Danes, wore a strapless yellow dress by Lanvin

Tina Fey wore a striking burgundy Vivienne Westwood dress.

Kat Dennings from “2 Broke Girls” wore J. Mendel