Trend Alert – Shearling Chic
Soft and cozy with a look and texture that lends itself to fashion creativity, shearling has become a fall/winter fashion staple. This ancient woolen-leather combo is not only favored for its practicality and reasonable price, it is favored for its democratic appeal and impressionable wearability.
Anthony Vacarello – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Tommy Hilfiger – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Altuzarra – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Once the quintessential fur choice of sheepherders across the globe, shearling has come a long way. In the 1970’s America embraced the “western” look in shearling, a look made famous by Levi’s and the iconic Marlboro man. Today, shearling is a de facto “cool” fur for millenials looking for hip, easy outerwear as countless innovative treatments and design adaptations deliver a broad range of chic, modern styles.
The icon Marlboro Man
“Greek Shepherd”, photo by Nurse A. E. Williams (née Cocking), 1918
Elizabeth & James – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Levi Strauss & Co. created shearling jackets, mittens and cowboy hats for the U.S. team to wear at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. – Associated Press
1980 U.S. Olympic Team
Burberry Prorsum – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Not only is shearling being elevated to high-fashion status, but shearling has expanded well beyond traditional sheepskin. Best described as suede on one side and clipped fur on the other, today’s shearlings may be made from a range of fur types including Tibetan or Mongolian lamb or goat. These variances in texture and overall look are helping redefine shearling’s appeal altogether and making it a crowd favorite.
Fendi – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
Akris – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Bottega Veneta – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Sacai – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Reed Krakoff – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Prada – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
Treatments once reserved for noble fur types like mink and fox are embraced to give shearling a “sport-luxe” edge in tune with a multitude of streetwear styles. It has also become a popular trim on wool and cashmere, and even mink coats.
Wool and shearling trimmed coat by J. Crew
3.1 Phillip Lim – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015
Coach – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
3.1 Phillip Lim – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Prada – Fall 2014-Winter 2015
Designers are no longer shy to embrace shearling as an experimental fashion canvas. Its universal appeal is presently celebrated with countless examples reworking the pelt’s leather side and/or its fur side with numerous color finishes, including even metallic accents, to transform this classic pelt into a fashion-forward “must-have” choice for Fall 2014-Winter 2015 and beyond.
Is there a shearling on your Christmas wish list?
