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INTERNATIONAL FUR TRADE FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE, DECEMBER 10, 2003
IFTF Sponsors Luxury Fashion Event in Paris
Representatives from the world's greatest fashion houses and luxury consumer goods businesses heard last week how fur has completed its return to the hearts and minds of the trendsetters and consumers. At the "Luxury in a Cool Climate" conference held in Paris last week, Suzy Menkes, Fashion Editor of the International Herald Tribune, told delegates that fur was and always has been an enormously important part of the luxury fashion industry. But fur is now being worked in new and imaginative ways: she said that furs have "lightened up", are "playful", and the "colours sing out to you". She described the fur accessory as the new pashmina, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit.
The conference included a session specifically on fur. Robert Burke, fashion director of the New York designer store Bergdorf Goodman, explained how fur sales quadrupled as soon as the store's fur department was given an overhaul and began selling young, modern designers who present a new and wearable take on furs. With something to suit every budget, from $400 to $40,0000, the modern designer fur can be overtly glamorous, or quietly understated, and with new production techniques being developed all the time, the possibilities for designers working in fur are endless. Rick Owens, artistic director of the Revillon house, explained to delegates how he uses sable as a lining fabric, and mixes high furs with goat or horsehair, to focus on the tactile qualities of fur rather than using it as a status symbol.
The International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) had an exhibition at the conference, showcasing couture fur garments by Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Givenchy, which only went to prove to delegates how versatile and visually stunning fur has become. IFTF Chairman Andreas Lenhart was at the conference, and said how pleased he was that the IFTF had been able to support the event. "Our involvement in Fashion 2003 really goes to show how fur is now back in the spotlight", he said. "The IFTF is delighted to be able to stand up with the fashion houses and business leaders from the world of consumer luxury, and show how fur plays a central part in modern lifestyle."
Note to editors: The IFTF was a keynote sponsor of the International Herald Tribune conference, "Fashion 2003 - Luxury in a Cool Climate" held at the Georges V Hotel in Paris on the 4th and 5th December 2003. The conference also heard addresses from Giorgio Armani, Ferruccio Ferragamo, Santo Versace, Rosita, Luca and Angela Missoni, as well as business leaders such as Bruce Klatsky, CEO of Phillips-Van Heusen and owner of Calvin Klein.
See also:
Independent spirit in the corporate world, by Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune, Dec. 9, 2003.
For further information visit www.iftf.com, or contact: Tanya Baird, International Fur Trade Federation, PO Box 495, Weybridge, KT13 8WD, U.K.; pressoffice@iftf.com; Fax: +44-1932-850033.