Tis the season for leather and fur. By Hope Rurik
They are the immortals of the fashion world - always present, classic and finding their way out of specialty stores and into the display windows of every shop and boutique. As is the nature of the beast, their break-out looks always bear a different flavor than their traditional counterparts and always have a little more bite.
December 1, 2010
'Tis the season for leather and fur. By Hope Rurik
Photo by Robin May
They are the immortals of the fashion world - always present, classic and finding their way out of specialty stores and into the display windows of every shop and boutique. As is the nature of the beast, their break-out looks always bear a different flavor than their traditional counterparts and always have a little more bite.
"Fur and leather make an important statement every season," says Hemline owner Muffy Leblanc. "This year they emerge not just as the standard jacket, but also in less conventional ways. The leather dress has been a very important and popular piece this season - a staple piece that can be pulled out year after year and will never go out of style because of the timelessness of leather."
This year, fur is shedding its sleeves in favor of a look reminiscent of a time of peace, love and hippie-ness - the vest.
"There's a lot of fur vests; it's a really popular look," says Herringstone owner Hanna Herrington. "A cute look is leggings with over-the-knee boots, a tight-fitting turtle neck and a fur vest. It's really easy to pull together."
Leather is paying homage to its most faithful followers, bikers, with vests and jackets that are zippered and riveted to the teeth. Lots of boots are losing their heels and getting straps and buckles that draw from the same inspiration, but these looks are definitely more sexy and chic than they are intimidating. Herrington says leather bracelets with studs and grommets are also still musts for the season.
For those who are a little shy about slipping into a leather dress or mini skirt, prints and skins are on everything from shoes to clutches and are a subtle way to sneak something trendy into an outfit that is an old favorite.
Of course, fur and leather are as versatile as they are fashionable. Whether it's a pair of booties from Coco Eros or over-the-knee boots from Shoe La-La, an edgy studded leather bracelet from Herringstone or an elegant stingray cuff from kiki, a luxurious fur coat from Hemline or a fur-trimmed leather bomber from Vertigo Clothing, there's a style for every personality - and with options in faux materials at most shops, a style for every conscience.