Human emotional attachment to fur  goes back a very long time. Since the earliest times people have worn fur garments for a variety of reasons – some practical, some symbolic and some for fashion or fun. [Ben Kingsley demonstrates our complex and emotional relationship with fur, in Roman Polanski's new film for Prada.]

For some, wearing fur was the best means of keeping warm. For others, wearing fur was symbolic of leadership or royalty. More recently, fur has been a luxury item – a sign of achievement. And today, fur stands as a key fashion trend represented in the collections of over 500 top international designers.

Arctic Explorer Robert E. Peary in 1910

Young boy in fur hood holding mask, Alaska, 1958

The Queen of England at her coronation. Photograph from the official website of the British Monarchy

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Man and woman on a ship deck, 1930s

Screen siren Irene Dunne in the 40s

Marilyn Monroe steps out of her limo looking very regal in a white mink coat.

Today's celebrities love their furs

For many there are significant attachments to fur. We fondly recall hiding in mother’s or grandma’s closet among the fur coats, enveloping ourselves in them as we reveled in their deep, sensual, soft texture. We recall watching in awe as mom and dad stepped out for the evening, mom looking glamorous in her mink coat. We flash back to images of our favorite stars – men and women – adorned in fur in photos from glitzy, fashionable events.

A newborn lovingly wrapped in warm fur blanket.

Singer Beyonce swaddles her baby Blue Ivy in a fur sling earlier this year.

In “A Therapy,” a short film produced by Oscar-winning director Roman Polanski, actor Ben Kingsley demonstrates our complex and emotional relationship with fur as he is drawn to distraction by the beauty and sensual appeal of Helena Bonham Carter’s exquisite lavender mink and fox coat. Satire? Yes – but the short film was given serious street cred as it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this week.