Mink coat
The phrase "mink coat" has an amazing effect on women. Every fashionista dreams of such a fur product, lover of expensive and high-quality things. In any wardrobe, a mink fur coat will take its rightful place... But do we all know about such chic outerwear, do we know how to create the right images and how great are the chances of choosing a high-quality fur coat?
The mink is a semi-aquatic animal, small in size, with a thick and very soft underfur, above which there is a coarse guard hair. A predatory nature, an evil disposition, but what beautiful fur this animal gives us.
Peculiarities
Natural mink is a real find for every designer and stylist who wants to experiment. When creating a fur coat, various materials and techniques are used. If earlier the classic vertical technique of joining fur ribbons was widely used, now the embodiment of mirroring is coming to the fore, and ribbons began to be placed in the horizontal direction. In this case, the ribbons are specially selected with a different direction of the pile, which makes it possible to give the fur product a more interesting character.
The possibilities of designers are unlimited, starting from the variety of fur, its color and ending with the length of the pile. In this case, the models can differ significantly from each other. A mink coat is a self-sufficient outer garment adorned with the color of the fur and the unusual arrangement of the villi.
It's just that mink fur can hardly surprise anyone, so they learned to process it in various ways to achieve an excellent appearance and impart new features. Of course, here is meant a sheared and plucked mink. In the first case, the guard hairs are shortened, so the fur may prick slightly.Not so long ago, a laser haircut began to be practiced, which allows you to display a complex volumetric pattern on a fur product. To obtain a plucked mink, all guard hairs are removed without a trace, and only soft underfur remains on the skin.
Advantages and disadvantages
To buy a natural fur coat or not is the business of every woman. A high-quality and, accordingly, very expensive fur coat can last up to 10 years. But such a model still needs to be able to choose the right one, and then also learn how to store it appropriately. Fur can be very moody, which can add a headache to wearing.
Faux fur, no matter how well and skillfully it is made, can never compare with natural. But it costs several times cheaper, does not differ in capriciousness, it is easy to wear, store and clean. Moreover, the animals are all intact.
Styles and silhouettes
In addition to the well-known auto ladies and classic models, completely new variants of mink fur coats appeared on the catwalks. The models that were demonstrated in the new collections embody very contradictory ideas, among which we managed to select the most interesting and significant directions:
- Classic models, which at the same time embody high status, are presented in the form of simple, slightly cropped fur coats with a slight and neat flare. The line of the shoulders stands out subtly, and the "stand-up" or "shawl" collar looks laconic.
- Designers focus on the everyday use of mink coats, therefore urban minimalism comes to the fore. Such fur coats have a lot in common with classic men's coats, their length often stops at the knee level, and there are slits on the side. Details in such models are useless, so many designers have abandoned even the collar and cuffs.
- Mink fur coat, sewn like a "bat", is one of the fashion trends. In such models, the emphasis is on the free shoulder line and luxurious sleeves, which are so loose that they resemble wings. The slightly tapered hem does not fall below the knee, and the collar is as delicate as possible. Any decor in such models will be superfluous, so designers do not overload their models.
- Chanel style wonderfully embodied in mink coats, which are complemented by a ¾ sleeve and a stand-up collar. One of these coats is essential for special occasions, since the great Coco's style cannot be combined with practicality and utility.
- Another new trend this season is fur coats from mink "butterflies" and "ballet flats". The two previous options are more suitable for slender women, and this proposal can be regarded as a universal proposal. When creating these models, the designers did not skimp on the decor, adding chic collars, exquisite boas, rich cuffs, various trims on the hoods and hem.
- The designers seemed to have conspired and began to create together models with belt... Most often, there are models with a belt on the assembly, but fur coats with a regular fur or leather belt are also enough.
Flip coat is the most unusual invention of recent times. It's like two in one: a fur coat and a sheepskin coat. Very practical and convenient for the changeable weather in Russia. In the morning it can be clear and you can put on a fur coat, but at lunchtime it is already raining or sleet, which is undesirable for fur.
- Bell-type fur product - a suitable option for girls, respectable ladies should not pay attention to such a model. You can recognize such a fur coat by its straight cut and slightly gathered hem.
- Medusa short fur coat recognizable by the rich hood, sleeves with ruffles, which can be repeated at the hem. Such models are rare and are often chosen by older women.
Fur types
In nature, there are several types of mink, which differ in quality, color and special characteristics of the fur. So, let's get acquainted with the varieties of mink:
- European mink recognizable by the white border around the lower lip. Such animals have short fur, which is thick and dense. The underfloor is low, dense and resistant to water. Throughout the year, the fur of the European mink practically does not change. The most common natural color is dark brown, but you can find black and even brown-red mink. European minks are divided into two subspecies: Caucasian and Central Russian.
- American mink, which is also called eastern, is a distant relative of the marten. The animals are strong and large, the body size is two more in comparison with European minks. The fur of the American woman is distinguished by its softness, pronounced shine, dark color, close to black or brown. There are several subspecies of American mink, depending on their habitat:
- Alaskan (Yukon) mink is distinguished by its large size and dark fur;
- representatives of the eastern (Quebec) subspecies are distinguished by their small size, dark fur, silky and elastic to the touch, with a beautiful fluff of gray-blue tint;
- Kenai combined large animals in its subspecies, the fur of which has a dark guard hair, and there is no characteristic white spot on the chest.
Mountain Indonesian mink.
- Siberian mink, which is also known as the Siberian columnar or simply the columnar.
- Scandinavian mink very popular among Russian furriers, in large part due to its ability to perfectly tolerate the harsh Russian climate. And her price is more pleasant, weeks from a similar American woman. This fur is divided into two subspecies: Danish and Finnish.
- There is also chinese mink, but so far they are in no hurry to separate it into a separate form. This is the cheapest and lowest quality natural fur in existence. Such a mink is grown in huge quantities, without appropriate experience and knowledge, without adherence to technology. Fur coats made from such fur are not worn for long, they quickly lose their appearance.
Cut features
On average, one fur coat can take about 50 skins measuring 15 by 15 cm, since an adult mink does not grow to large sizes.
A fur coat made from such whole pieces is most appreciated., has a long service life. Less expensive are fur coats created from small pieces., which are taken from the foreheads, legs, tails, abdomens, or remain after sewing products from a whole mink. More such pieces will be used, which means there will also be much more seams. There is no reason to hope for a long service of such a fur coat. But if you really want a mink, and finances are limited, then you can buy it. And you can look for a fur coat from the backs. Such pieces are larger and the fur is thicker.
Length
It's worth starting with the classics, which are still embodied in fur coats with a length slightly above knee level. Designers choose this length as the base one, as evidence of this is the new collections filled with just such models.
Floor-length fur coats look really gorgeous, one might even say royal. This season, Russian designers have focused on just such a length, presenting amazing fur coats to the public.
Short models do not lose their relevance, remaining predominant for women who drive a car or often use public transport. These fur coats combine a high level of comfort, maximum functionality and the ability to give warmth.
Youth
Youth fashion borders on the desire to put on expensive furs and fight to save the life of animals. This is also the case with fashion trends: the models are made from natural fur and artificial materials. The latter are created from dense cotton or synthetics, to which nylon, wool or lavsan fibers are attached. There are so skillfully created furs that are extremely difficult to distinguish from natural mink.
This season's youth coats are created according to the rules of hipster and avant-garde styles. Retrostyle also does not stand aside, which looks no worse in artificial furs than in natural ones. In youth models, fur is played up in any convenient way, including the most unusual shades. Young girls are offered predatory prints that look very demonstrative, long pile, which is embodied in meek models, rainbow shades and much more unusual.
For full
Fur coats look great on thin ones, so owners of ideal figures can choose fur clothes at least blindly.
But for full women, such liberty is not permissible and they will have to look through many options before finding that single fur coat that ideally fits the parameters of the body. A few rules and practical advice will be very appropriate:
- The most preferred fur for obese women is mink. This tendency is explained by softness, smoothness, lack of excessive pomp and volume. Mink has a unique quality of concealing excess volumes, which few furs can boast of.
- Of all the existing models, it is better for overweight women to choose dark-colored short-nap fur. Opposite options are allowed only for thin or only slightly overweight women.
- Although uniformity in a large fur garment is a predominant feature, there may still be exceptions. For example, models created from multi-colored fur pieces. Such fur coats are attractive not only due to their unusual appearance, but also at an affordable price. For sewing such fur coats, not whole skins are used, but the remnants of them, fur from the foreheads and legs. A black mink coat remains out of competition and is always the preferred option that obese women choose for themselves. In addition, such a classic fur never goes out of fashion.
- Combined models should be given their due - they are great for overweight women and have been popular for several seasons in a row. A good example of such fur clothing is a mink coat with a collar made of other fur (fox, arctic fox, silver fox).
- When choosing a large size fur coat in cut and silhouette, the priority is light fit and straight lines. Wide models, reminiscent of shapeless robes, will make the voluminous figure even more bulky. Narrow sleeves and tight models should also be ruled out.
- Fur coats with a belt look good on full figures, bringing in a touch of elegance, making the waist more pronounced and the shoulders clearly defined. But such a model will only look good on the "sand" figure. Narrow shoulders and small breasts require the choice of fur coats with a voluminous collar.
- Flared models can be considered overweight women, but the length in such fur coats should not be too short or, conversely, very long. Mink flared coats with a midi length or the French version can work wonders with a full figure, reducing its volume, adding elegance to the image and making the lines graceful.
- Short fur coats are taboo for obese women. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that apply to disproportionate figures with full tops and narrow bottoms.
- Only tall, stately women can afford to look towards fur coats on the floor.
Fashion trends
Retro revival... And again, retro style appears on fashion catwalks. Fashion trends of different eras are embodied in fur models, so we have the opportunity to observe straight-type silhouettes, flared options and a new representation of the well-known A-silhouette. There is a wide variety of fitted models.
- Combined models. In such models, designers demonstrate the versatility of mink fur, which can be easily combined with other materials and look even more interesting.The combination of several types of fur in one product does not surprise anyone, but the addition of leather, suede, lace to the mink causes genuine delight.
Cross can be called the most popular trend in the world of making mink coats. Such models literally flooded catwalks, fur salons and fashion boutiques. Mink is most suitable for this kind of fur technology. Fur stripes are sewn horizontally, often there is a smooth transition from one shade to another or alternation of fur with other materials. The cost of the cross will be at a higher level compared to a conventional fur coat, which is explained by the complexity of the implementation of such a technology.
Hooded models remain popular for many seasons and even strive to become classics. Such an element hides a decorative and practical component. Fur coats with a hood should be chosen if you do not have a special love for hats. Hooded models make up half of many last year and new collections.
A belt is boring, but a belt in the form of a belt already looks fashionable and original.
Color and print
Natural shades are predominant, this can be seen in new collections, which are dominated by black and white models, all shades of brown, delicate blue, seductive color of cinnamon and topaz are presented. Models painted in unnatural colors are still rare.
Fur dyeing is an undesirable procedure. Most often, designers color natural materials or subject them to partial coloring. But solely for the purpose of giving the fur a natural color, which is more interesting and rarely seen.
When creating combined models, designers strive to select furs from the same color range, which are in good harmony with each other. Most often, brown and gray shades are chosen, and black fur is often used as a base. The same principle is followed during the selection of leather and suede details for fur.
And, of course, the white fur coat remains the queen of all fur products. It is clear that no fashionista can afford to wear such a chic and, importantly, expensive thing every day. But every woman dreams of having a white mink coat in her wardrobe.
Pastel has attracted many designers this season. In nature, such a shade occurs, but it is extremely rare, which means that such a fur coat is worth it. But on the other hand, how beautiful is pastel fur, which does not even need to be decorated with anything. Therefore, such models have a simple cut and a lightweight cut. In the shade of pastel, the Scandinavian or American mink looks most advantageous.
Blue mink is such a rare fur that it is considered exclusive. But how beautiful she is. Light fur seems to sparkle from the inside and casts a cold light, which has a bewitching effect on others. There are several shades of blue mink, each of which is amazing and beautiful: "sapphire", a combination of silver and gray, "violet".
Manufacturers
It just so happened that the best fur coats are created in Russia, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Travel agencies even practice organizing fur shopping trips, which are popular with fashionistas from many countries.
If you have to choose not a whole mink, but pieces, then the best option would be an Italian fur coat... Italian manufacturers use a computer to select the pieces, so the fur coat is solid, warm and of high quality. Each piece is sewn together very neatly and efficiently. There is a clear tendency among Italian and Greek manufacturers to create sheepskin coats and short coats, so it will be almost impossible to find long models from the new season.
After all, Russia is a rich and versatile country that thrives in almost every industry. At least in the production of fur coats, she certainly has no equal.Fur production is concentrated in Pyatigorsk, where several fur factories are concentrated. Furs for every taste and opportunity, thousands of models of fur coats from the most expensive and exclusive to the economy version.
What should be a mink coat?
From the whole variety of mink coats, you need to be able to choose a high-quality model from natural fur.
This is not an easy matter, especially if you do not know certain secrets and do not follow a number of rules. Well, let's get down to choosing the right mink coat:
- A lot depends on the choice of the place of purchase. The most correct, safe and expensive is a specialized store. When choosing a mink on the market, you need to be a very good expert and be able to distinguish mink from any other fur. Market sellers often try to slip, for example, a marmot instead of a noble mink, taking advantage of their external similarity. Choosing a fur coat in an online store is the most risky of all the existing options. Initially, you will need to study the existing reviews well and choose a well-known online store that values its reputation.
- When examining the fur, it is necessary to pay attention to its uniformity, smoothness and shine. The mink has a thick and dense undercoat. If you run your hand over the mink against the hair growth, then it will take its original position immediately.
- You also need to blow on the fur. Such manipulation will allow you to check the flesh, which should be light, otherwise we can talk about dyeing the fur. You can somehow come to terms with such a phenomenon, but the quality of staining can be different. To check this factor, you will need to wipe the fur with a damp handkerchief. If there are no traces of paint on it, then the fur coat can be taken.
- It's time for the lining, or rather, for what it hides. Serious manufacturers do not completely sew on the lining, leaving some free space, giving buyers access to the skins. First of all, you will need to study the quality of the seams for evenness, the strength of the threads used and the absence of fur on the seams.
A good mink coat can last up to 10 years, so it's worth spending your precious time choosing one.
What is the price?
Several factors affect the formation of the cost of a mink coat:
- model length;
- part of the skin that was used to create a fur masterpiece;
- Colour;
- the country in which the production is located.
The average cost of a natural mink coat is around 2 thousand euros.
How to care?
- A fur coat is not a jacket, you cannot wash it in a typewriter and you won't often use dry cleaning either. Such an expensive thing requires special, careful, and most importantly, proper care. If you follow a number of the rules below, you can significantly extend the life of a fur coat and enjoy its excellent appearance every season.
- Although the mink is not afraid of water, but it is not recommended to wear it in rainy weather. It is clear that no one is immune from this. If the fur coat gets wet, then it must be hung on wide hangers and dried without using any heating appliances.
- To get rid of the adhering dirt, it is necessary to wait until it is completely dry, and then, using, for example, a low-power vacuum cleaner, carefully remove it from the fur surface.
- The fur should be free from cosmetics, perfumery and sweat. To do this, a scarf or scarf is put on the neck. For a white fur coat, this rule is especially important.
- The fur coat must be stored correctly. Mink can quickly lose its presentable appearance from improper storage. In large cities, there are special refrigerators that accept fur products for storage in the summer. This service is expensive. The fur coat can be stored at home. In this case, you will need to hang it on wide hangers, enclose it in a dark cover made of natural material and make sure that it does not come into contact with other clothes.
- After the end of the season, the fur coat will need to be carefully examined for contamination.... If there are any, the mink must be entrusted to a dry cleaner and in no case should you try to cope with the dirt yourself. Such experiments can completely ruin expensive fur.
Reviews
Feedback from the owners of mink products confirms all our guesses, facts, tips and rules that have been set out above. Those lucky ones who have the pleasure of wearing a whole mink do not think about buying a new fur coat for several years. Owners of Greek and Italian fur coats are so satisfied with their choice that they won't even look at other manufacturers. The owners of the artificial mink rejoice for the saved animals, but secretly dream of feeling adorable natural fur on their bodies, which cannot be recreated.