From cavemen survival tactics in prehistoric times to designer wear in modern day life, fur is a practical material that slowly became a symbol of wealth and style. From the fur trade industry to technological advances, the fur industry helped develop every country both economically and historically.
Throughout the passing centuries, fur became a practical fabric and later a fashionable trend. From the beginning of time, fur was used as a practical element in wardrobe, it was used for survival by cavemen. Animals were first hunted and later skinned. Hunters would feed their family, and later provide their wives or partners with materials made from the animal 's flesh to make blankets, utensils, and clothing. These animal’s skins were the …show more content…
Animal pelt became a ceremonial symbol. Exotic animals were used to distinguish the ruling classes in ceremonies or events. The first known powerful figures that used animal skins to show power were the Egyptians. Priests and kings used leopard and lion skins during religious ceremonies where the skins were considered sacred. Shortly after, smaller exotic animals such as chinchillas, mink, and other small furry animals were used to dress royalty and significant figures. During the end of the 11th century and most of the 12th century, fur became a symbol of royalty and power. Slowly, it incorporated itself into fashion as a symbolic statement for social classes. Fur was only acquired by the wealthy classes, as it was expensive and only the high class elite society or aristocrats were able to afford them. Starting the 13th century, royalty diverged and immerged the wealthy and the mercantile classes. In this time, fur was known as a social distinction, with the luxury of providing warmth in most cases. Fur was no longer used to serve as a practicality, instead it’s practicality was a …show more content…
Technological advances eased the process of treating animal pelt. Before machinery, the curation and treatment of pelt were expensive and time consuming. Fur was treated, processed, and cured manually. “Yelena Yermak, a Russian mathematician turned fashion designer, invented a technology that can make fur look like silk. She also created mink jackets that look like leopard skin and chinchilla.” (Reese, Ty M.) Machines were now able to weave and add patterns onto the fur creating artificial colors and designs. Before machinery, all pelt was in its purest state. With today’s technology, exotic pelt tripled in price because aside from showing its natural state, fur can be tinted and organized into patterns. Adding hours of labor, exotic pelts that were once expensive, are now even more exclusive because of the work done to it. Although artificial fur is accessible to the masses, the wealthier classes still look for the luxury furs from extravagant animals. In the early 20th century, mechanical engineers designed convertible cars, which because of the climate, passengers would be cold. Thicker fur coats were produced, but required bigger animals such as sheep, lynx, and racoon. Centuries later, pelt was finally brought back as a practical fabric, the innovation of convertible cars idealized thicker and longer coats to keep passengers warm. With this said, “Madame Isidore
Throughout the passing centuries, fur became a practical fabric and later a fashionable trend. From the beginning of time, fur was used as a practical element in wardrobe, it was used for survival by cavemen. Animals were first hunted and later skinned. Hunters would feed their family, and later provide their wives or partners with materials made from the animal 's flesh to make blankets, utensils, and clothing. These animal’s skins were the …show more content…
Animal pelt became a ceremonial symbol. Exotic animals were used to distinguish the ruling classes in ceremonies or events. The first known powerful figures that used animal skins to show power were the Egyptians. Priests and kings used leopard and lion skins during religious ceremonies where the skins were considered sacred. Shortly after, smaller exotic animals such as chinchillas, mink, and other small furry animals were used to dress royalty and significant figures. During the end of the 11th century and most of the 12th century, fur became a symbol of royalty and power. Slowly, it incorporated itself into fashion as a symbolic statement for social classes. Fur was only acquired by the wealthy classes, as it was expensive and only the high class elite society or aristocrats were able to afford them. Starting the 13th century, royalty diverged and immerged the wealthy and the mercantile classes. In this time, fur was known as a social distinction, with the luxury of providing warmth in most cases. Fur was no longer used to serve as a practicality, instead it’s practicality was a …show more content…
Technological advances eased the process of treating animal pelt. Before machinery, the curation and treatment of pelt were expensive and time consuming. Fur was treated, processed, and cured manually. “Yelena Yermak, a Russian mathematician turned fashion designer, invented a technology that can make fur look like silk. She also created mink jackets that look like leopard skin and chinchilla.” (Reese, Ty M.) Machines were now able to weave and add patterns onto the fur creating artificial colors and designs. Before machinery, all pelt was in its purest state. With today’s technology, exotic pelt tripled in price because aside from showing its natural state, fur can be tinted and organized into patterns. Adding hours of labor, exotic pelts that were once expensive, are now even more exclusive because of the work done to it. Although artificial fur is accessible to the masses, the wealthier classes still look for the luxury furs from extravagant animals. In the early 20th century, mechanical engineers designed convertible cars, which because of the climate, passengers would be cold. Thicker fur coats were produced, but required bigger animals such as sheep, lynx, and racoon. Centuries later, pelt was finally brought back as a practical fabric, the innovation of convertible cars idealized thicker and longer coats to keep passengers warm. With this said, “Madame Isidore