As Marc Jacobs explained, the fetish influence of this collection came from a conversation with LVMH’s Bernard Arnault about women’s “inexplicable obsession with bags. And that got us started thinking about passions, and any of the disciplines that require effort and work and commitment.”

I always knew I was a Vuitton girl!

Peter Pan collars for a sexy French maid look

A vibrant mustard color tote

A private chauffeur, yes please! (5 vintage cars were used for this shoot!)

The Lockit clutch (with a diamond handcuff)

Shot by Steven Meisel, starring Zuzanna Bijoch, Gertrud Hegelund, Daphne Groeneveld and Anais Pouliot.

There is a reason why a fur coat has always been a luxury item. Each fur coat is unique. Each one is an authentic work of art. Up to 100 hours of meticulous craftsmanship are required to create a fur coat. A fur coat is handmade, using artisanal skills maintained through centuries-old traditions.

This video shows in 3 minutes what could take weeks to create and to ensure flawless perfection. I can hardly wait to also share the pictures of the Beautifully Canadian FW 2011-12 campaign!

How gorgeous is this jacket?!
I was sold at the mix of soft pink and sculpted studs on the suede. Bonus points for the straps on the fox sleeves. Got to find out who is the genius mind behind this beauty…

Image from Fashion Gone Rogue, from Vogue Vietnam

“Knitted fur is so modern and light, it makes this retro shape cool again.”
—Olivier Theyskens

Knitted fur is not only light and warm, but it can be used all year round as a cardigan in the office or for a chilly night out. And knitted fur made of beaver is washable!! Low maintenance luxury, what’s not to love about that?!

Olivier Theysken, you are a wise man!

Image from Elle.com

Michael Kors and Gucci, the epitome of effortlessly chic

It’s no secret that fur is one of the strongest trends for Fall and Winter and maybe you are planning on buying something furry this year. With the wide variety of choices (fur types, colors, combinations), don’t forget to take into consideration one of the most important facts: the origin of your fur.

I think it’s important to be well informed when it comes to fur, so here is some background information about fur labeling in North America.

In the USA, all fur apparel must have a label that specifies:

• the type of fur
• the origin of the fur
• Where the apparel was manufactured
• Whether the fur is natural or dyed

In Canada, there are no requirements about exactly what information must be listed on a fur apparel tag, but reputable fur salons will always identify the type of fur, and will also provide other useful information. Even if you are not planning to buy a full fur garment, it’s still worth your time to visit a specialized boutique. Most of them carry fur-trimmed outerwear including leather, wool and textile coats. For a complete list of fur boutiques that are members of the Retail Fur Council of Canada, click here.

The Fur Council of Canada (the national industry association with representatives from all sectors of the trade) is proposing that Canadian retailers begin listing the same information as in the USA. The Beautifully Canadian label was launched in 2002, and assures that the garment or accessory that carries the label was designed, cut and sewn in Canada, using high quality Canadian furs.

And of course, under provisions of the Competition Act (administered by the federal Competition Bureau) any information listed on fur tags or labels must be accurate.

There is so many labels and information to know about fur labeling that I can’t write it all in this single post. I will review some other important fur quality labels in upcoming posts.

Backstage pictures Vogue.com

A Sonia Rykiel red hot fur sleeved top is totally what I would wear for an mondaine afternoon coffee in Paris… talk about boho-chic done right!

Picture via Fashion Gone Rogue

I will always love a nice structured coat (a Burberry trench is in my “must-buy-when-I-get-rich list”), but the fur flat cap was an unnexpected accessory! I’m not a fan of hat caps, I usually find them tacky, but I would make an exception for these cuties.

Images via Fashion Gone Rogue

Simply chic and stylish!

Picture from Streetpeeper.com

When a fur coat needs cleaning, it is essential that you take your garment to a fur specialist, not a dry cleaner. Fur requires a very special cleaning process that most dry cleaners cannot do.

Even if there is no visible dirt or stains, fur should be cleaned at least once a year. Cleaning can remove dirt particles and chemicals, and involves a glazing procedure that improves the lustre of the fur.

This might seem like a lot of effort, particularly if the coat does not appear dirty, but keep in mind that the coat will last much longer if cared for properly.

Burberry Prorsum, Nappa leather and rabbit coat available from Net A Porter.

Some strong fur trends can be noticed in this collection: animal print, fur sleeves and strong shoulders. My favorite piece from this collection is definitively the fur dress with the feathers. What’s yours?

The hottest maxi dress of the season

Fox fur sleeves

Fur sleeves and fox tails

Strong shoulders and a mix of fur and feathers