Shearling Chic | The All-Time Superstar
Out of the fur pantheon, shearling is by far the oldest fashion trend that never falls out of favor. Don’t think so? Just go check out prehistoric cave paintings with their references to animal pelts worn on human shapes, or even 19th century North American trappers donned in buck skins and other pelts.
Salvatore Ferragamo – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Burberry Prorsum Shearling Funnel Neck Aviator Jacket
Shearling might simply be the most democratic fur of all, the one type that defies generational differences and socio-economic divides. From “easy-going” to “hippy chic” to ultra-modern, shearling is making its mark for the Fall 2012 fashion cycle.
Vivienne Tam – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Rick Owens – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Versace – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Bottega Veneta – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Whereas shearling was often used in a cruder finish in 1970s fashion, recently it has gotten the glam reboot. Designers are currently toying with both the woolen side and the leather/sueded side of the skins to great effect on the runways.
Paul McCartney and George Harrison take a stroll through the park in ’67 dressed to the hilt. A caped Paul over a wide print tie, George comfortably in embroidered shearling, they embodied the magic of the Mystery Tour
Helmut Lang – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Peachoo Krejberg – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
The leather side of the pelt is currently reworked into a full-fledged design component, now getting as much attention as the fur side. Some designers and couturiers opt to lacquer the leather, or even shave it into a textile-thin finish. Others go as far as merging two skins in one garment – combining mink with lamb leather, for example, for a truly unique and highly fashionable look.
DKNY – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Miharayasuhiro – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Brandon Sun – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Ermenegildo Zegna – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Jean Paul Gaultier – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Shearling can be so much fun and really transcends expectations. Remember those UGG boots – the ones nearly banned by the West Hollywood City Council? They have become the shearling accessory icon, but don’t tell WeHo City Council (Can we say RIDICULOUS?). Very few materials can boast equal adoration from male and female fans alike, regardless of age.
The iconic UGG boots
Is there a shearling look in store for you this fall?
