Fur items become fashion fad heading into winter

This summer's relentless heat continued even after the beginning of autumn, but as the chilly fall weather has finally rolled in, those sporting fur fashion pieces are starting to be spotted on Tokyo streets.

Fur-trimmed vests, boots, bags and hats and fur tail keychains, jeans and shorts with fur-lined pockets or hems are popular among the fashion-conscious. Although people are wearing some fur items at this point, once winter begins, more items made with fur will be widely worn.

Two 18-year-old high school students, who happened to wear matching leopard hats on this day, are pictured in Tokyo's Harajuku district. The girls say they aspire to look "grown-up" by sporting simple clothes with fur items. (Mainichi)

Fur had previously been thought to be expensive and for older people, but nowadays fake fur that looks and feels like the real thing is widely available. In addition, fake fur products are usually reasonably priced and easy to care for. In the fashion scene, particularly in this year's autumn-winter season, Chanel, Nina Ricci and other high-end brands unveiled fake fur garments at major fashion weeks, garnering attention from picky, sophisticated fashionistas.

Fur is also used extensively in items that will be in heavy rotation in the coming months, such as jackets and coats. Mod coats, which have been back in style for the past few years, often have fur on their hoods. There are also many fur-trimmed down jackets and other outdoor outerwear designed to protect wearers from the cold and make them look stylish at the same time.

Two 18-year-old high school students, clad in wigs, hats, and black and pink outfits, pose for a photograph in Tokyo's Harajuku district. The girl on the left, wearing a fake fur vest and boa boots, uses a fur scrunchie as a bracelet. (Mainichi)

Furthermore, fur can make wool coats and chic capes even more elegant, and there are now even several different types of fur available. For instance, those in leopard, zebra and stripe patterns and other colors have appeared on the market, giving fashion lovers more options to enjoy wearing fur.

When I asked some people to explain why they love fur, most of them said that it's "in fashion" or it "adds a touch of autumn" to their looks. For some, meanwhile, fur seems more than just a fashion piece, with one saying, "Just rubbing fur is soothing to the mind" and another saying, "Even fake fur makes me feel like I'm spending time with a pet."

A 19-year-old college student carries a boa leopard bag and a shoulder bag accented with a fur tail keychain in Tokyo's Harajuku district. (Mainichi)

Speaking of animals, more young women are carrying around tiny cute animal character accessories, such as Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse and Rilakkuma, by attaching them to their bags and mobile phones.

Fur dates way back to the Old Stone Age, when our ancestors wore it to protect themselves against the cold. During Europe's Middle Ages, luxury gowns made of rare animals' fur, including ermine, were worn to display a person's wealth and power. People started to sport fur as a fashion item in the 20th century, but today, it also gently and warmly protects us as we brave life in a transient world. (By Asuka Watanabe, lecturer at the Department of the Science of Living at Kyoritsu Women's Junior College)