Man has been using animal skins and furs to keep himself warm since the beginning of time. The evolution of the fur trade is a fascinating one: in Roman times fur was used as a status symbol and for protection in battle - fast-forward to the 60s and fur has become all about fashion and luxury.
Actually traced as far back as the Stone Age, early man didn't have access to a handy clothing outlet on the local high street, so a life outdoors exposed the human skin to all the harsh realities of the elements and the escapement of essential body heat. Our ancestors quickly learned to fashion their own garments to protect their outer skin and soon realised the strength and insulation of the materials they had to hand. Tools and utensils could also be made, as well as weapons to help them defend and indeed, fend for themselves. This would have highlighted leathers extreme durability and capability as body armour in the midst of war. During the Roman era, warriors would almost be strapped and belted in from their Caligae sandals that laced up high above their ankles, with leather kilts and military belts with the helmet displaying plumes of horse hair to distinguish the high ranking officers.
The progression of tanned skins and furs into the fashion items we see today, started with the ancient civilisations of the Romans, the Greeks and the Phoenicians, who revered them so much that they used them in clothing as a sign of affluence and importance and as a main source of income in trading. From this Mediterranean region, the trends then spread to the North of Europe throughout the Middle Ages, where they also realised the tough nature of the skins and the warmth, style and luxury that the fur could bring.
Fur fashion essentially began to gain its momentum during the 11th and 12th centuries when beaver felt was used in the making of hats. It seems that this was the dawn of matching accessories as the production of gloves and muffs soon followed and the very first foundation of furriers were established.
By the 1600s demand for furs such as Sable within Europe was beginning to outstrip supply. This meant that Europeans had to go further afield to seek out their goods, leading them to North America where a plentiful supply could be sourced from the indigenous communities, by setting up new trade routes. This huge industry played an important role in historical shifts amongst settlers in non-native countries. The Hudson Bay Company, deriving from a charter granted by King Charles II for proprietors and investors, changed the game when it came to the battle for supremacy in the market. They were finally able to fulfil the demand for beaver hats in Europe. This enabled them to quickly become the largest fur trader in the Northern Hemisphere, throughout the 19th century. At this time, wool producers in New Zealand and Australia were exporting lambskins too, as were many countries in the Middle East. From South West Africa came many different animal skins, made possible through the use of Karakul farming.
Today, fur farming is the foundation of the industry, signifying the evolution from its humble beginnings to a massive 85% of the trade's income. Mainly practiced in Northern Europe, mink and fox fur are the biggest contributors to the market. Fur farming includes humane housing, good nutrition and constant veterinary care.
The fur trade is a unique one. Respectful of culture and tradition across the globe, the fur trade utilises ancient and authentic methods and craftsmanship to this day, whilst retaining pride in fair trade, humanity and quality.
Actually traced as far back as the Stone Age, early man didn't have access to a handy clothing outlet on the local high street, so a life outdoors exposed the human skin to all the harsh realities of the elements and the escapement of essential body heat. Our ancestors quickly learned to fashion their own garments to protect their outer skin and soon realised the strength and insulation of the materials they had to hand. Tools and utensils could also be made, as well as weapons to help them defend and indeed, fend for themselves. This would have highlighted leathers extreme durability and capability as body armour in the midst of war. During the Roman era, warriors would almost be strapped and belted in from their Caligae sandals that laced up high above their ankles, with leather kilts and military belts with the helmet displaying plumes of horse hair to distinguish the high ranking officers.
The progression of tanned skins and furs into the fashion items we see today, started with the ancient civilisations of the Romans, the Greeks and the Phoenicians, who revered them so much that they used them in clothing as a sign of affluence and importance and as a main source of income in trading. From this Mediterranean region, the trends then spread to the North of Europe throughout the Middle Ages, where they also realised the tough nature of the skins and the warmth, style and luxury that the fur could bring.
Fur fashion essentially began to gain its momentum during the 11th and 12th centuries when beaver felt was used in the making of hats. It seems that this was the dawn of matching accessories as the production of gloves and muffs soon followed and the very first foundation of furriers were established.
By the 1600s demand for furs such as Sable within Europe was beginning to outstrip supply. This meant that Europeans had to go further afield to seek out their goods, leading them to North America where a plentiful supply could be sourced from the indigenous communities, by setting up new trade routes. This huge industry played an important role in historical shifts amongst settlers in non-native countries. The Hudson Bay Company, deriving from a charter granted by King Charles II for proprietors and investors, changed the game when it came to the battle for supremacy in the market. They were finally able to fulfil the demand for beaver hats in Europe. This enabled them to quickly become the largest fur trader in the Northern Hemisphere, throughout the 19th century. At this time, wool producers in New Zealand and Australia were exporting lambskins too, as were many countries in the Middle East. From South West Africa came many different animal skins, made possible through the use of Karakul farming.
Today, fur farming is the foundation of the industry, signifying the evolution from its humble beginnings to a massive 85% of the trade's income. Mainly practiced in Northern Europe, mink and fox fur are the biggest contributors to the market. Fur farming includes humane housing, good nutrition and constant veterinary care.
The fur trade is a unique one. Respectful of culture and tradition across the globe, the fur trade utilises ancient and authentic methods and craftsmanship to this day, whilst retaining pride in fair trade, humanity and quality.
About the Author:
There are many different types of furs to choose from when you're updating your Winter wardrobe, such as the wonderfully soft and glamourous mink fur. Why not find out more about the fur industry today?
