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Trend Alert – Shearling Chic    

Soft and cozy with a look and texture that lends itself to fashion creativity, shearling has become a fall/winter fashion staple.  This ancient woolen-leather combo is not only favored for its practicality and reasonable price, it is favored for its democratic appeal and impressionable wearability.

Rebecca Minkoff- Fall 2014 – Winter 2015

Anthony Vacarello - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Anthony Vacarello – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Tommy Hilfiger - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Tommy Hilfiger – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Altuzarra - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Altuzarra – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Once the quintessential fur choice of sheepherders across the globe, shearling has come a long way.  In the 1970’s America embraced the “western” look in shearling, a look made famous by Levi’s and the iconic Marlboro man.  Today, shearling is a de facto “cool” fur for millenials looking for hip, easy outerwear  as countless innovative treatments and design adaptations deliver a broad range of chic, modern styles.

The iconic Marlboro Man

The icon Marlboro Man

"Greek Shepherd", photo by Nurse A. E. Williams (née Cocking), 1918

“Greek Shepherd”, photo by Nurse A. E. Williams (née Cocking), 1918

Elizabeth & James - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Elizabeth & James – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Levi Strauss & Co. created shearling jackets, mittens and cowboy hats for the U.S. team to wear at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. - Associated Press

Levi Strauss & Co. created shearling jackets, mittens and cowboy hats for the U.S. team to wear at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. – Associated Press

1980 U.S. Olympic Team

1980 U.S. Olympic Team

Burberry Prorsum - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Burberry Prorsum – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Not only is shearling being elevated to high-fashion status, but shearling has expanded well beyond traditional sheepskin.  Best described as suede on one side and clipped fur on the other, today’s shearlings may be made from a range of fur types including Tibetan or Mongolian lamb or goat. These variances in texture and overall look are helping redefine shearling’s appeal altogether and making it a crowd favorite.

Fendi - Fall 2014 - Winter 2015

Fendi – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015

Akris - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Akris – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Bottega Veneta - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Bottega Veneta – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Sacai - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Sacai – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Reed Krakoff - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Reed Krakoff – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Prada Fall 2014

Prada – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015

Treatments once reserved for noble fur types like mink and fox are embraced to give shearling a “sport-luxe” edge in tune with a multitude of streetwear styles.  It has also become a popular trim on wool and cashmere, and even mink coats.

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Wool and shearling trimmed coat by J. Crew

3.1 Phillip Lim - Fall 2014 - Winter 2015

3.1 Phillip Lim – Fall 2014 – Winter 2015

Coach - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Coach – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

3.1 Phillip Lim - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

3.1 Phillip Lim – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Prada - Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Prada – Fall 2014-Winter 2015

Designers are no longer shy to embrace shearling as an experimental fashion canvas. Its universal appeal is presently celebrated with countless examples reworking the pelt’s leather side and/or its fur side with numerous color finishes, including even metallic accents, to transform this classic pelt into a fashion-forward “must-have” choice for Fall 2014-Winter 2015 and beyond.

Is there a shearling on your Christmas wish list?