It's Fur Without Fear on New York Fashion Runways

Fur is back and prominently displayed by top designers this week on New York's fashion runways, with nary a peep of protest.

Not so long ago, a woman in fur might fear a hail of insults and a pail of paint getting lobbed her way, while the designer would face a pelting of tomatoes. But clever marketing, hip-hop culture and the perpetual lure of luxury are bringing fur out of the closet, experts say.

Sales are up and the average age of buyers is down.

U.S. sales among traditional fur retailers hit a record $1.8 billion in the 2003 season, a 7.5 percent increase over the previous year, according to the Fur Information Council of America. Ten years ago, fur sales were about $1.1 billion.

More than half the customers are under age 44, the council said.

Innovations making fur more versatile -- it's often sheared, dyed or knitted -- have been key, said Keith Kaplan, the council's executive director.

"Designers have discovered the creativity and adaptability of fur," he said. "It can be used now as any other fabric."

A recent survey by Women's Wear Daily showed three-quarters of 200 high-end specialty stores carry fur, and most of the remaining stores planned to add it.

Buying fur like never before are men and younger consumers, particularly in the hip-hop world, experts say.

more: news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050207/en_n (183)

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