The Enduring Allure Of Mink Coats: An Enduring Craft Or An Outdated Practice? (2024)

The popularity of mink coats has declined in recent years, with many consumers and designers rejecting fur due to moral beliefs against animal cruelty. However, mink coats are still made and remain in demand, with some people continuing to wear them. The process of making a mink coat involves several steps, from obtaining animal pelts to designing and crafting the final garment. While mink coats have faced backlash from animal rights activists, others argue that natural fur is more sustainable than faux fur. The debate around the ethical and environmental implications of mink coats continues, with varying perspectives on whether it is acceptable to wear them in public.

The ethics of wearing mink coats

Mink coats have been a popular fashion item for many years, but the ethics of wearing them is a complex and sensitive issue. On the one hand, mink coats are seen as luxurious and fashionable, with a long history of being worn for warmth and style. On the other hand, there are ethical concerns about the treatment of animals and the environmental impact of the fur industry.

One of the main ethical concerns surrounding mink coats is animal welfare. Animal rights activists argue that the fur industry inflicts unnecessary cruelty on animals, with some cruel methods of killing and inhumane conditions on fur farms. In recent years, there has been a growing public awareness of animal welfare abuses in the fur industry, with many consumers and designers choosing to reject fur on moral grounds. The anti-fur movement has gained significant momentum, with several high-end fashion brands, including Gucci, Versace, Burberry, and Coach, announcing fur-free policies. Additionally, the use of certain animal furs, such as endangered species and domestic dogs and cats, has been banned in some countries.

Another ethical consideration is the environmental impact of the fur industry. The production and processing of fur coats can have negative consequences for the environment, including the use of toxic chemicals and the release of waste and pollutants into waterways. While natural furs are biodegradable, the manufacturing process can be energy-intensive and harmful to the environment if not properly regulated. On the other hand, synthetic fur alternatives may also have environmental impacts, such as the use of non-renewable energy and the contribution to the throwaway economy. The sustainability of both natural and synthetic fur is a subject of ongoing debate, with conflicting research and varying perspectives.

The social implications of wearing mink coats cannot be overlooked. In today's society, wearing fur can be seen as a controversial statement, with some people viewing it as a sign of ignorance, insensitivity, or support for animal cruelty. The public perception of fur has shifted significantly in recent years, with a growing emphasis on social responsibility, animal rights, and environmental consciousness. As a result, some people may feel conflicted about wearing fur, even if it is vintage or inherited. The social acceptability of fur varies across different regions, with some places, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, banning the sale of fur, while other areas, like Dallas, remain strongholds of the fur industry.

Ultimately, the decision to wear mink coats is a personal one, weighing the ethical, environmental, and social considerations. While some individuals may choose to avoid fur altogether, others may opt for vintage or inherited fur, considering it a more sustainable or sentimental choice. It is essential to respect different perspectives and engage in open dialogue on this sensitive topic.

The history of mink coats

The use of fur for clothing is one of the oldest forms of clothing, with evidence suggesting that humans have been wearing animal skins and fur for at least 120,000 years. Fur clothing has been recovered from various archaeological sites worldwide, pre-dating written history.

In ancient Egypt, only royalty and high priests were permitted to wear certain furs, such as ermine, mink, or chinchilla, which symbolised status and power. In the 11th century, nobles and the wealthy also began to wear fur as a symbol of their status. Crown proclamations in England, known as "sumptuary legislation", further established fur as a marker of social status by limiting the wearing of certain furs to higher social classes.

The fur trade became extremely prominent in the 1500s, particularly in North America, with beaver fur becoming the most valued item. Felt hats made from beaver fur became popular across Europe. However, by the end of the 1800s, the fur trade slowed down as silk became more fashionable, and the number of fur-bearing animals declined due to high demand.

In the nineteenth century, technological advancements simplified the process of creating shinier, silkier furs, and companies began to produce jackets and gowns with fur trim to cater to lower socioeconomic classes.

Mink fur, in particular, became associated with beauty, luxury, and wealth. In the past two centuries, mink fur has been sought after by the growing middle classes in Western Europe and North America as a way to display social status and adopt a high-fashion aesthetic.

In the twentieth century, fur coats became fashionable in West Europe. With lifestyle changes due to developments like indoor heating, fur coats were increasingly associated with femininity, especially with the use of mink.

However, in recent years, the popularity of natural fur has declined due to ethical concerns about animal cruelty and the rise of faux fur alternatives. Anti-fur campaigns gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, and several high-end fashion brands have since stopped using animal fur in their designs.

While the sale of fur is now banned in some places, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, it remains a controversial topic, with some people continuing to wear vintage or inherited fur coats, while others view fur coats as a sign of ignorance and insensitivity towards animal rights.

The process of making mink coats

Sourcing the Fur

Mink fur is typically obtained from fur farms, where the animals are bred and raised specifically for their fur. These farms have been in existence for over 150 years, and the farmers ensure the minks are well-fed and kept in good conditions. The fur is then harvested through humane methods such as shearing or pelting.

Sorting and Grading

Once the fur is harvested, the mink pelts undergo a sorting and grading process. They are evaluated based on their quality, size, and color. The higher-quality pelts are usually reserved for creating luxury garments.

Tanning and Dressing

The pelts go through a tanning process, which helps preserve and soften the fur. This involves treating them with chemicals to prevent decay and ensure the fur's durability. The dressing process involves removing any excess fat and flesh, as well as softening the leather side of the pelt.

Designing and Cutting

Designers create patterns for the coat, taking into account the size and shape of the pelts. This is a creative process that involves sketches, notes, patterns, and models. Once the design is finalized, the pelts are carefully cut.

Fur Matching

Mink skins need to be properly sized, and the colors need to be consistent. This step is crucial as fur is a natural product, and each pelt is unique, varying in thickness, fur density, and natural color. Expert furriers possess the skill to match and assemble these pelts seamlessly.

Sewing

Skilled furriers then sew the cut pieces together using specialized sewing machines and techniques suitable for working with fur. This step requires precision and expertise to ensure a seamless finish.

Fur Nailing

After the mink pelts are sewn together, the coat is wetted with water and stretched on a nailing board to fit the pattern. A fur staple gun is used to shape the fur and hold it in place until it dries. Once dried, the staples are removed.

Fur Closing

In this step, the various components of the coat, such as the sleeves, body, cuffs, and collar, are sewn together to form the physical mink coat.

Fitting and Assembly

The coat is then tried on to ensure it conforms to the desired shape and size. Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage to guarantee a perfect fit.

Lining

A lining is added to the coat for both aesthetic and functional purposes. It provides structure to the coat and creates a smooth interior finish.

Finishing Touches

Details such as buttons, zippers, pockets, and closures are added to the coat. These finishing touches can vary depending on the design and style of the coat, adding unique elements.

Quality Control, Packaging, and Distribution

Before the coat is packaged and shipped, it undergoes rigorous quality control checks to ensure it meets the brand's standards for craftsmanship and quality. Once it passes this stage, it is carefully packaged and distributed to retail stores or directly to customers, depending on the brand's model.

The process of making a mink coat is intricate and involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern design elements. The result is a luxurious and warm garment that has been a sought-after fashion item for generations.

The cost of mink coats

The cost of a mink coat depends on several factors, including the initial price of mink skins at auctions, the quantity and quality of skins used, and the quality of the manufacture.

The majority of furs are made from skins bought at international auctions in Scandinavian countries and the USA, so the original price will affect the final price of the coat. The cost of raising minks, including electricity or water bills and food, will also impact the price of the coat.

Female minks tend to have lighter coats with more silver undertones, while male minks have darker coats. Coats made from female minks are softer and lighter in weight, but more skins are required to make a coat, as they are typically smaller than male minks. The fur's quality is also determined by where the mink was raised, its genetics, its diet, and other factors.

The quality of the manufacture, including the design, sewing, colour, and shade, will also affect the price. The skills, experience, and expertise of the artisans involved in making the coat are important factors in determining its value.

A small vintage mink coat could sell for around $300, while a top designer coat could sell for over $10,000. Full-length mink coats can cost around $10,000 or even higher, and luxury mink coats can command prices of several hundred thousand dollars.

For example, a short black mink fur jacket with horizontal layers can be purchased for $1,708, while a black velvet mink fur coat with a belt costs $2,562. A black mink fur jacket with a short collar is priced at $2,967, and a light grey short mink fur jacket costs $1,902.

The popularity of mink coats

Mink coats have been popular for centuries, with ancient Egyptian royalty and high priests wearing mink fur as a symbol of power and status. In more recent times, mink coats have become synonymous with luxury and elegance, with the Blackglama "What Becomes a Legend Most?" advertising campaign featuring Hollywood actresses and divas such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, and Barbra Streisand. During the early 1980s, at the peak of their popularity, mink coats could cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000, with some coats made from all-belly black Russian mink costing over $400,000.

Mink fur, in particular, has been prized for its beauty and has been a status symbol of excess, luxury, and wealth. In the past, only the ruling classes and nobility wore these exquisite garments, but today, mink coats are becoming increasingly popular among the general elite. Celebrities have also been fond of making appearances on red carpets in beautiful fur coats, often using them to grab the attention of photographers and the press. For example, in the 2019 film Hustlers, JLo and Cardi B wore eye-catching and dressy mink coats, showing that fur coats are still very much in style.

However, in recent years, the popularity of natural fur has declined due to ethical concerns and the rise of faux fur alternatives. Animal rights organisations have raised awareness about the cruelty and unnecessary confinement and killing of animals on fur farms, with many celebrities and fashion designers joining the anti-fur movement. Countries such as Britain, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and California have banned the sale of new fur products, and luxury brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Versace, and Ralph Lauren have banned fur from their collections.

Despite the ethical concerns and the rise of faux fur, mink coats remain a part of "timeless fashion". Their versatility means they go with almost any outfit and can be worn to almost any event. With proper care and storage, mink coats can also last for decades, making them a long-lasting investment piece.

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