What comes to mind when you hear the words, “early fur fashion?” We’ll bet that, for many, the first images that conjure up involve actresses of old in glittering gowns, vintage fur coats and stoles draped elegantly over their thin shoulders. While these imaginings are quite accurate, there’s more to early fur fashion than the typical depiction! In this blog, we’ll go over many classic looks from fur fashion’s early years, as well as the history of this timeless trend.

How Fur Got Its Start

The fur industry has existed nearly as long as society itself. However, it didn’t truly take off as a fashion statement until the 1800s. This period saw a swift and sudden rise in the popularity of wearable fur, as specialty shops sprouted across several European countries and colonies. In fact, one of the first and oldest fur fashion brands—Révillon Frères—began in France and maintained a powerful name for itself up until its closure in the 1980s.

The real discovery that fur made came from the genius of a certain Isidore Paquin. She was able to develop a way to allow fur to become more readily wearable by anyone, just by combining certain solutions to soften it up. This new development caused real fur accessories to skyrocket in popularity among the wealthy and, in turn, trickle its favor down to the lower classes.

What They Wore: A Timeline

As fur fashion took off, innovators developed new and better ways to incorporate this amazing trend into their wardrobes. As fashion so often does, what looks were deemed popular and “in” changed dramatically over time.

• The 1920s is the era most people think of when it comes to real fur accessories. This particular section of the 20th century introduced us to the vintage fur coats we know and love—long, sleek fur coats dangling sensually from slim bodies or cinched dashingly at the waist as its owner lights a cigar. However, fur trim was also quite popular at the time, usually along the collar of a dyed wool coat. Women also enjoyed cuffs and capes, but no material was more popular among both sexes of the period than raccoon fur.

• The 1940s saw a decline in the purchasing of real fur accessories, thanks to the onset of the second World War. People no longer had the money or resources to splurge on luxuries. Furthermore, even the industry was affected by the war and the economic slump caused the production of fur apparel to drop. Nevertheless, women still purchased fur apparel on their own dime, empowered by their newfound ability to earn their own living in their husbands’ absences.

• The 1950s brought about changes in the fur industry as well – particularly where audiences and marketing were concerned. Working class women soon became the primary buyers of fur accessories over any other demographic.

If you’re looking for new and timeless ways to learn how to wear real fur, then looking to the past is always a great place to start! Morris Kaye & Sons can also give you a hand. Contact us to learn more about our premier services, which are available to fur lovers throughout the San Antonio and Dallas areas.