Yves Salomon METEO and ARMY

Yves Salomon has presented its more edgy/young/irreverent/affordable AW15 collection for its line METEO. I think it is adorable and the prices are so good that everybody can have a piece of it. And for all those lucky enough to live in London or be passing by London in the next months they can go and have a look at the range in Harrods, where they have opened a department in their Fashion Lab. 

The collection features Mongol lamb, shearling, raccoon, merinos wool, rabbit, fox and some mink. The looks are very actual with mix of fabrics and furry designs to give a chic and sophisticated look to the winter clothes without the classicism generally associated to fur. 

And if this is not enough, the department is also showcasing the celebrated ARMY range with military inspired parkas full of fur linings and trims. The leopard print on the rabbit is perfect for a great everyday look during winter. 

Fur is definitely back and thanks to Yves Salomon it could be in your wardrobe!

The Piece 4

As you already know I am a lynx lover. I absolutely adore the way it feels, how light it is and how cool and trendy it looks. And what I love the most is its exclusivity, the fact that they are unique pieces and that it is such a precious and rare material that only a certain number of pelts are auctioned every year for the production of clothing. 

I came across this piece again in Yves Salomon having a look in its department. It is a gorgeous poncho/cape with a hood. The way the pelts have been sewn together offer a beautiful contrast between the white parts and the brown ones. The back is just stunning, with brown cascades falling from your shoulders until de edge of the garment. 

I understand this is not a piece for everybody. It is what I call an statement, a head-turner. Everybody will admire its natural beauty and great presence. If you are a fashion forward person and love to stand out this is for you!

Yves Salomon Kids

 

I could not believe my eyes when I read that Yves Salomon is launching a collection for children. The lookbook is already available in their website and the pieces are absolutely beautiful. 

The collection features pieces like shearling reversible coats, a mini mink cape to die for, leather jackets, parkas with fur trimmings on the hood and baseball jackets in merinos wool. They are fun and practical, so you will not regret investing a little bit more money for your children wardrobe, and they will look stunning while being warm and cosy. 

 

Well done Yves Salomon! 

Fox

Red Fox Jacket by Yves Salomon

Fox is one of the most versatile types of fur. They are used as the main fur to create fantastic furry pieces or as trims and details mixed with other furs or fabrics. 

Fox is resistant and warm, and there are many types of them and each are used differently depending on what need to be created. The most commonly used are red fox (like the one above in the picture, super chic), blue fox (you will find it dyed many times), white arctic fox (the most expensive and rare) and gray fox. 

Fox fur is very dense, and needs to be taken care of regularly so it keeps its properties and looks fluffy and neat. It can be a great option for lower budgets as it is a fur that is commonly used for clothing. 

My favourite way of finding fox is as details on other furs or fabrics. I love its movement and thickness and how it makes a very common piece like a parka jacket to a very special item.

What is you favourite type of fox? Do you have any question about fur? Send me an email with your questions and I will be happy to help! ilovemyfur@gmail.com

Raccoon

Raccoon trim on the Moncler Classic jacket via Moncler.com

Raccoon is furry and soft, ideal for trims and big light jackets that are meant to be worn more for fun than to protect you from the cold winter.

Brands like Moncler tend to use the raccoon mostly to trim their hoods and add some details, although there is a reversible nylon and fur vest that I absolutely love because it is fun and chic on one side while the other has all the features of the down and nylon to keep you warm! 

Moncler Raccoon and Nylon vest via Farfetch

Moncler Raccoon and Nylon vest via Farfetch

But my favourite way of wearing raccoon is as a furry jacket! The movement is so cool and chic, it adds so much style to any look and with skinny jeans and boots, like the girl in the picture, is just the perfect everyday outfit for those fur wearers with a more rock and roll style. The one in the picture is by Yves Salomon and I found it in Luisa Via Roma, one of the most respected shopping destinations in the World. 

In these jackets the fur is normally knitted to the fabric and it makes a really light piece which will not bother you at all during the day and it is ideal for Autumn and those who live in places with warmer winters.

Fox and Raccoon jacket by Yves Salomon via LUISAVIAROMA.COM

Rabbit

Yves Salomon METEO Collection

Rabbit... I know what you are thinking: cheap! But do not fool yourself! Rabbit can be your best friend if you want a more seasonable garment and do not want to spend so much! Look at the coat in the picture for instance, it is by Yves Salomon (from its METEO collection) and looks gorgeous! Rabbit, being cheaper, allows brands to experiment and go a bit crazier creating unique and fun pieces like this one.

I have seen rabbit in every color and pattern: white, pink, camouflage digital print, animal print... I find them so much fun and easy to combine with everyday looks. Also they make great accessories as they are cheap and you do not expect to wear them forever.

The thing you must take into account with rabbit is that it is very delicate and it might lose hair easily. Rabbit garments are not as durable as mink or sable and you will have at some point to stop wearing them... even if you love them! They just stop looking right. 

The Piece 1

I was walking around my favourite department store when I bump into this absolutely amazing piece of art. Yves Salomon again, of course. Why do I love everything they do?

I love fur patchwork and the colours on this cape are beautifully sewn together! The cape is made of mink, and the length is just the right one to be able to mix it with short or long skirts or pants, or just to dress up that boho Valentino dress from Summer and carry on wearing it during Fall... it is so easy to find an excuse to buy something when you want it so badly, isn't it? 

Sable

Dennis Basso Fall 2012

Sable is Fur Royalty. People who know about fur look for sable and are able to identify the different types and qualities.  

Sable is super soft when you touch it in any direction and normally there are two well differenced shades, sort of a caramel brown and a darker chocolate brown.  

The best sable comes from Russia and it is one of its trademark furs. My Russian friends tell me that sable is not only beautiful, but incredibly practical when it comes to warmth.  Sable fur is lighter than mink for instance, but can keep you warmer in the cold Russian winter. 

My favourite sables jackets are from Dennis Basso and, of course, Yves Salomon. I love the jackets with python skin seams or leather inserts. And I find that the sable vests are a must have. I love them with a silk white shirt underneath and jeans or leather pants. 

Of course, such an amazing fur comes with a matching amazing price but it is so worth it that I have never regretted any of my acquisitions.  

Yves Salomon

Let me set the record straight. Nobody, I repeat, nobody creates a fur piece like Yves Salomon. They are the masters, they are the ones to look at and the ones to follow. Almost 100 years in the business focusing only on fur have given them the right to claim that they are the furriers by excellence. And that is why I wanted to start this blog with them.

Many superbrands do fur, but they are not truly specialise only on that. Even Fendi (I know you all are thinking about them right now) have built its success on the accessories world, which is fair but it kind of divert the attention for what their core product was.

The power of the name Salomon is historical. And their name is known and respected not only by fur lovers all around the globe, but furriers and fur dealers. Whenever they are in a fur auction everybody know what they are here to look for: the best quality, the most rare pieces and the unexpected. That is why they have been setting trends even before they had their own brand and can offer the best quality without the stupid price point of some superbrands.

In 1910, Gregory Salomon is exiled from Russia to Siberia and in 1920 decided to emigrate to Paris, France, where he keeps trading with fur as it has done for many years. Time passes and the Salomon established themselves as the most respected fur traders from the region. During the 80's, and with the company in the hands of Yves Salomon (3rd generation), he decided to create the brand that carries his name. Yves Salomon collaborates with big names like Dior, Prada, Thierry Mugler, Alaïa, and it is present in the first Gaultier Couture show.

Among others, Yves Salomon works with the best qualities of lynx, sable, chinchilla and mink, producing timeless and iconic pieces. In the last years they have been more adventurous mixing the fur and investing in technology in order to get great pieces of fur mixed with cashmere or piton. They offer a wide range of leather pieces too, and created two diffusion collections that are more affordable and attractive for a younger crowd: Army and Meteo.

Yves Salomon is now in the hands of the fourth generation in the family. Thomas Salomon is taking care of the brand his father created and his work have expanded a name that is present in the main fashion centres of the globe. 

Do you want to know more? Visit Yves Salomon's website and enjoy History and Fashion all together.