Hairball

Fur is flying. Fortunately for me, it isn't mine. Fur seems to have come back from catwalk extinction to an all time high. It turned up in almost every designer and sportswear collection from here to Tokyo, for guys as well as gals. This has given many people a sense of alarm. The proliferation of fur coats, jackets, trim, skirts, boots and hairy shoes are difficult to ignore.

The fur industry over the last 10 years has all but curled up and died. It is a shame, because it is one of the most specialized, not to mention old industries that from one season to the next kissed the oblivion of extinction. I've always felt that fur is a matter of choice that should remain a free one.













PETA and other over zealous zealots should take care of themselves and not resort to physical violence and unveiled threats to make their point. I had to laugh that PETA went after Johnny Weir just prior to the Olympics to remove one small piece of fox that was placed on one shoulder of his long program costume. He complied which was equally surprising. Why PETA harasses him and turns a blind eye to a whole industry that used fur in every imaginable way is a mystery. Even Gwyneth Paltrow got into the act when she's an Eco phreak, faux fur trapping, sometimes Super star. She certainly must have pissed off PETA turning up in a Tod's ad with real on , not Fo'. For the same token, the Naomis and other ex-Supermodels of the world who used to cop to the Gospel of PETA are now lapsed converts. The ads in the Times and fashion mags of Miss Campbell with only a do rag on her head and a fur minus any clothing, at all, is certainly a wake up call. Now why over the hill models have gotten it into their bubble heads that in order to work they have to be stark naked , show all and sundry is another sad story better saved for another rainy day.

Now the news on the bulletin board is that the Sisters Mulleavy of the Convent of Our Lady of Rodarte are taking the reins of Revillon Paris. This is probably the oldest and most venerable House of Haute Fourrure in the world. It's the Chanel of couture fur design. I know what you're thinking. What's up with that? I guess the girls are itchy to move out from Mummy and Daddy's house and find their own starter mansion. Money is tight and they need a gig that will pay the rent. When you read that the best seller from this springs collection are the gladiator boots, the clothes don't appear to be the hot ticket that Vogue declares to anyone who'll listen. So what, more power to them. BUT, fur? what will they have to offer to that dialogue? How will they carry a house that relies on customers being seduced by the most rare, expensive furs which have been designed in the most creative ways? Rodarte has the annoying habit of turning up their noses at luxury. They like to burn, melt and distress it. A bit of yarn, wire, a glue gun and bits of shredded fur will certainly cause the customer to stop and stare. I just hope there is a back-up team to pump out the goods while these two are busy making news. News is what they'll get and that's what Revillon will risk their business and pay dearly for.

Bon Chance all. I, for one will sit and wait. No one seems to think about the future, only the moment. They might as well have asked Lindsay Lohan to do the job. She's certainly got plenty of time on her hands and can attract the press probably even more with just as little effort.