Outrageous Furs, 1964

I am a firm believer that if you chose to wear fur, you should always chose vintage. That keeps coats and stoles already in existence out of our landfills and at the same time doesn't support the unneeded slaughter of today's animals for fashion. In showing images of vintage furs on this blog, I hope to inspire you and show you how beautiful they can be for the modern woman. These outrageous and unusual furs are all from 1964.

Ankle length Saga mink fur coat worn with a matching fur hood by Adolfo. Booties by Herbert Levine.

Saga Norwegian blue fox tunic worn over gray satin stretch pants. Silver sequined boots by Herbert Levine.

Revillon mink lounge dress for at-home wear.

Eric Lund gray squirrel fur tunic dress.

A long, long stole made from varying colors of Emba mink fur pelts worn over a silk chiffon gown by Hannah Troy.

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That Touch of Mink

I love these ideas from 1949 for wearing just a touch of mink. At a time when most women wore stoles of the entire mink pelt, including the heads, feet, and tails, these fur scarves are a refreshing change of pace.

If you have a damaged fur coat or stole and don't know what to do with it, making a scarf like this can preserve at least some of the pelts. If you prefer not to wear real fur, there are lots of high quality faux fur fabrics on the market.

Even the narrowest length of fur can be tied in a jaunty bow at the neck. Fun!

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Vintage Fur Coats - 1957

If you're not averse to vintage fur, here are a few ideas for your holiday gift wish list. One of each, please, Santa!

Revillon stole in Empress Chinchilla fur.

Elsa Schiaparelli licensed black dyed Southwest African Persian lamb
with removable white mink scarf.

Saga Norwegian blue fox capelet from Russeks Fifth Avenue.

Natural Royal Crown Russian sable by Maximillian. I love the way the soft focus of the photograph emulates the supreme softness of the sable fur.

Oh heck, why not just go for broke and wear an entire suit of
Umpa dark ranch mink fur designed by Fredrica.

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1966 Op Art Furs

It's 1966. Op Art and graphic designs have swept the fashion industry. Fur salons follow suit with seamed and stenciled designs.

A ski coat in stripes of black and white French rabbit fur by Mr. Fred for Fur and Sport. Sold for $275 in 1966 (about $1810 in today's dollar).

Black and white stripes are stenciled onto calf hair in this suit by Albert Alfus. The straight jacket has epaulettes on the shoulders and is matched to a hip hugger skirt. Sold for $350 in 1966 (about $2303 in today's dollar). Matching hat by Halston of Bergdorf Goodman.

The same suit in giraffe spotted stenciled calf hair. Sold for $350 in 1966 (about $2303 in today's dollar). Matching hat by Halston of Bergdorf Goodman. Fur leggings can be worn over boots.


A checkerboard seamed suit in black and white long hair rabbit by Barlan consists of a cardigan jacket and hip hugger skirt. Sold for $275 in 1966 (about $1810 in today's dollar). Matching fez style hat was also available.

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