Part 7. Fur fashion prevailing in France at the onset of the 20th century-DE

The close of the 19^th century and the onset of the new century in France were featured by the appearance of first boutiques. At the very beginning of the 20^th century, fur products were demonstrated by real models.

Fur items became extremely trendy in France before the 1^st World War. The glamorous fashion exhibition L’exposition Universelle, held in 1900, was distinguished by the demonstration of fur coats. For example, Paris fashion exhibition “Exposition Universelle” witnessed demonstration of a wrap sown from fur of 300 minks, created by the fashion designer Jeanne Paquin.

Paquin day dress, 1903 (http://edwardianera.tumblr.com/page/92)

Luxury silk fabrics matched with ermine, mink and sable fur were much admired at the time. Paris designers’ collections of different seasons included a lot of fur coats and fur accessories. At that time long fur coats became the symbol of wealth. Hand muffs which were sometimes decorated with animal heads or tails, were also in fashion. Very commonly these muffs were matched with Russian-style fur hats.