I think if things were the way they were 15 years ago, politics and travel-wise, many people on this forum would enjoy winter tours to where I live, for... I don't know what to call it... fur reaffirmation? LOTS of furs in the streets here, and not just hats and ruffs, tons of various fur coats, too. Last week was relatively cold so I'd say at least 30% of women wore full-length fur coats and hats.

Our fur culture is probably more advanced than yours, for apparent reasons? Climate, and less pressure from the greenies mostly. And yes, beaver fur is considered masculine, probably due to the length and coarseness of the guard hair, along with furs such as raccoon dog, coyote, wolf and seal (plenty of seal fur garments here in fact). Some men wear silver fox hats, too. Mink is pretty unisex, so is sable and pine marten if used for hats Otter and wolverine fur would probably also qualify as masculine. I just like all furs so I don't care much for these nuances.


no, I don't have any pictures of that hat. All I managed to get out with was a bunch of old t-shirts and some life lessons




I also have a short sheared beaver coat for warmer weather, made of the local puddle hamsters that I caught, sheared to 10 mm. I think it took nine average-sized skins? I'm a mousy tomboy and don't care about fashion so I just wanted something practical. Getting the furs ready took a while because having them dyed burgundy red took a long time at the tannery. I had a good acquaintance who is one of the top trappers in Yakutia choose five dark sable for the hood. The lining is one of Dries Van Noten's last collections of silk fabric, I wanted something that looks like a flowerbed, for contrast with our bleak winter. We have few conifers and our architecture is as gray and Soviet as it gets, so colors are scarce.

What a gorgeous coat ! And it is a lot like mine in style too

And such a beautiful one as yourself to model this.

I love the liner. I agree on spots of nice colours to lift one's spirits. Cherish your last of the run of such a lovely silk artist's work.

The burgundy blends perfectly with the deep browns of the natural fur. Very nice puddle hamsters you used

The sable hood just makes such a work of art . Wear it proudly.

You're right about the use of fur here vs your area. I have always admired the Russian people for their wonderful ways of putting fur to lovely use.

When I wear my coat and hats, I too get compliments about every time I'm out in town. Surprisingly so. No one yet has mentioned anything rude . Though I know how I will respond if that happens...

Here is my coat, and the lap blanket I hand sewed out of the four heads and scraps. It looks strange...but it's mine and I like it .

Nessy didn't know his hat would be so inspirational !

Got a muskrat hat with otter flap ...top pic

Bottom pic...same muskrat hat ...but showing otter fur on the

Inside of the flaps

And a coon / Fisher combo hat

It's almost cold enough to put a hat on.