Upcycling: New Styles Through Restyles
Imagine you found an unexpected (and sizeable) chunk of change that you could use towards an amazing statement coat to up your fashion ante this fall. You know, the kind of coat that turns heads when you walk down the street. One that has your friends whispering with envy. Not just a coat, but real fashion armor that lets you fight the cold in high style. Wouldn’t you be running…not walking…..to your local retailer to start shopping??? Here’s the million dollar carrot, have you considered upcycling something you already have?
A vintage mink coat in the process of being upcycled and restyled into a mink caplet
That “chunk of change” is that old fur coat already hanging in your closet. You know that coat you bought a few years back? Maybe it’s a coat your mother or your grandmother has given you. Why not take it down to your local fur fashion retailer and put it to work for you?
To learn more about restyling reach out to a professional furrier in your area visit the “Where to Buy” section at FUR.org
Accessories are a great way to repurpose your old fur
A restyled fur collar with a twist
Last week we shared the predictions from Farmer’s Almanac calling for very cold conditions across the Northeast and upper Midwest this winter. With September already upon us, those icy temperatures are closer than you think! So what are you waiting for?
2017 US Farmers Almanac Media Map
The pages of the September fashion books are loaded with fur fashions that are sure to set you dreaming. It’s a great place to start formulating an idea of exactly what you want to make your fashion statement this winter. Or, why not head to the stores to check out the new collections in person? Then, with a clear idea in mind and your old coat in hand, it’s time to talk to your local fur fashion expert.
Winter is Coming editorial- Harper’s Bazaar US September 2016
Winter is Coming editorial- Lou Schoof for Harper’s Bazaar US September 2016
Winter is Coming editorial- Lou Schoof for Harper’s Bazaar US September 2016
The Best of Women’s Fall Fashion editorial: WSJ Magazine September 2016
The Best of Women’s Fall Fashion editorial: WSJ Magazine September 2016
The Best of Women’s Fall Fashion editorial: WSJ Magazine September 2016
The Best of Women’s Fall Fashion editorial: Mica Arganaraz for WSJ Magazine September 2016
Leopard: Porter Magazine Fall 2016
Leopard: Porter Magazine Fall 2016
According to Bill Ribnick of Ribnick Furs in Minneapolis, one of the cities expected to be hardest hit by the cold snap this winter, now is the perfect time to make your move. “We have a lot of customers who have already paid us a visit in anticipation of the coming winter,” notes Mr. Ribnick. “They come in with their old coats and we talk through the options for restyling. It may be as simple as softening the shoulder, tailoring the sleeve and shortening an old classic mink coat to give it a more current, modern look. This can be done relatively inexpensively. Others may want to take an old coat and create something completely new; a vest, perhaps, or a 32” or 36” reversible fur-lined raincoat. And with the extra fur leftover from the longer hem of the old coat we can make them a scarf, a fur collar or cuffs to dress up their wool coat or we can trim a Loro Piano cashmere cape to give them two complete looks out of one old coat! From start to finish, including fittings, this can take 4 – 6 weeks, which underscores why it is important to start the process now in order to be ready in time for the first cold snap.” But that is not the only option to create value out of your old coat. Bill adds that for those that have their heart set on one of the great new fur pieces in his inventory he often suggests simply trading in their old coat and applying the value towards the purchase of the new garment. “They are always amazed at how far their old coat can go towards contributing to the new purchase.”
At Ribnick Luxury Outerwear, their Master Furrier can taper the collar, soften the shoulder or update the length. Let us take it in, let it out, shorten, lengthen or go for a totally new look! Your coat can be transformed into a new style, be it a contemporary vest or chic bolero jacket.
fox trimmed cape
Fox blanket restyle from Ribnick
For Missy Love and her team at Alaskan Furs in Overland Park, KS the last few weeks have been anything but the dog days of summer as they have been fielding calls and visits from customers. “For fall 2016 statement coats were a big part of the designer collections as, more and more, designers and customers have come to recognize the role these coats play in defining personal style,” notes Missy. “That message came through loud and clear to our customers and they are excited to get something fabulous and new for the season, whether it is a great new piece from our new collections or a custom restyling of a coat already hanging in their closet.”
Pictured are five examples of Alaskan Fur Company styles that can be made from your old fur. Our expert restyling staff can make your new fur into many fashionable styles. From left to right- (1) Turn your old mink into a darling new style, this mink stroller was made from a 25 year old mink coat (2) Mink zipper vest, can be made from a mink jacket, stroller or coat. (3) Trim your old jean jacket with a fur collar and cuffs. You can make them permanent or detachable, whichever you like.
(4) This vest is made from an old coyote coat. Alaskan Fur Company can take your old fur and make it into a new fun vest style that looks brand new. (5) Restyle the fur into a nice jacket with detachable ultra suede sleeves. We have many shades of suede to choose from to match your fur. These are just a few samples of the different styles we can create for you.
She notes that as styles have evolved from dressier looks to a more casual/sporty vibe customers are seeking something they can wear every day and not save in the closet for a special occasion. Whether it is a young professional restyling her inherited coat or the older customer who still loves her fur but wants to update it to a more wearable garment, popular remodeling trends include vests, removing/restyling the 1980s shoulder or recreating a garment into something shorter and sportier that fits better with their lifestyle today.
Shorter sassy lifestyle driven styles are in great demand with younger audiences
At Alaskan Fur Company much of the inspiration comes from their in-house furrier who spends time with the customer to learn about their lifestyle and style preferences. To help fine-tune the creative direction he will show them some of the new garments in the salon. Remodeling is done in house and takes 3-6 weeks depending on the amount of work being done according the Missy, which is why she encourages customers to start now so that they can wear their “NEW-restyle” by the time cold weather hits KC!
Skilled artisans work tirelessly to makeover heritage fur garments at Alaskan Fur Company
Restyled fur garments are the perfect foray in the custom -made realm of fashion.
Restyling allows you to leverage the value of your old coat to create amazing new looks that will define your style this season. To learn more about restyling reach out to a professional furrier in your area visit the “Where to Buy” section at FUR.org.
