At Yves Salomon, we celebrate the artisanal tradition of real fur—a material defined by its exceptional softness, distinctive texture, and natural warmth. This guide illuminates how to identify authentic fur through its characteristic patterns, guard hairs, and unique tactile qualities that distinguish it from faux alternatives. Discover the heritage behind luxury fur fashion and learn the essential care principles that preserve these timeless pieces for generations.
Real fur is a natural material composed of animal hair that grows from the skin of mammals. It consists of two primary components: guard hairs and underfur. The longer, coarser guard hairs provide protection against moisture and abrasion, while the shorter, finer underfur creates an insulating layer that traps air to maintain warmth.
Humans have utilized animal pelts for clothing since Paleolithic times, with evidence dating back approximately 400,000 years. The oldest confirmed leather-tanning tools were found in ancient Sumer, dating to around 5000 BCE. Throughout history, fur became essential for survival in cold climates, forming a crucial part of traditional clothing in Arctic regions, Russia, Scandinavia, and other northern territories.
Fur's unique natural properties made it invaluable for our ancestors. Its exceptional insulation capabilities allowed indigenous peoples to thrive in harsh environments where temperatures could reach -40°C. The denseness of animal hair, particularly in arctic mammals, creates an airtight barrier against cold and moisture. This natural material continues to be valued for its remarkable warmth-to-weight ratio, durability, and connection to traditional craftsmanship.
Mink is one of the most prized and emblematic furs in the world of haute pelleterie.
Dense, luminous, and infinitely silky, it captivates with the richness of its touch, the lightness of its texture, and its natural ability to enhance the silhouette. A wardrobe essential—much like the little black dress—it embodies both timeless elegance and the modernity of creative expression.
At the heart of our collections, mink offers unparalleled stylistic freedom. It is expressed through a vast palette of colors, ranging from the purest white to deep black, as well as sapphire, brown, and violet.
This living, versatile material can be plucked, sheared, knitted, dyed, or combined with other noble materials such as cashmere, silk, shearling, water snake, or other exceptional furs.
We distinguish two types of mink:
Female mink, smaller in size, with a fine, soft, and lightweight fur.
Male mink, more robust, with a denser, fuller coat.
We favor female mink for its suppleness and precious delicacy, perfectly aligned with the exacting standards of our creations.
Care & Preservation
To maintain the full beauty of mink over time, a few essential gestures:
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct light (sun or spotlights), which may dull the color.
Do not wear your fur in the rain. If it becomes wet, shake it gently, let it dry naturally in open air away from any heat source, then lightly brush it with your fingers.
Store it on a wide hanger, inside a breathable fabric cover, in a cool and dry environment.
Avoid direct contact with perfumes, sprays, or cosmetics.
Once a year, entrust your piece to a specialist for professional cleaning and reshaping.
A Living Heritage
Wearing mink is embracing a natural, rare, and enduring material, crafted with respect for traditional savoir-faire.
Each piece tells a story—of mastered elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and a vision of luxury designed to stand the test of time.
A Spectacular, Voluptuous, and Expressive Fur
Characterized by its long, silky guard hairs, fox fur is synonymous with volume, sensuality, and movement. Its density, lightness, and ability to capture light make it a spectacular material, deeply rooted in the world of luxury.
We work exclusively with foxes rigorously selected for the exceptional quality of their skins and fur. Breeding farms are primarily located in Finland and Scandinavia, following the same channels and strict traceability standards as mink.
The Most Common Varieties
Blue Fox
The most widespread farmed variety. Its naturally dark base makes it ideal for deep, saturated dyes. The fur is dense, relatively short, and evenly layered. With lighter dyes, the darker guard hairs remain visible, creating a subtle contrast.
Shadow Fox
A rare farmed breed with long white fur streaked with grey or black highlights. It may also appear completely white. Its very light base makes it perfect for pastel shades. Due to its limited production, it is reserved for the most exclusive pieces.
Silver Fox
A farmed variety with bluish fur, long and abundant, ranging from light grey to deep black. A darker dorsal stripe naturally structures the silhouette.
Red Fox
Native to Nordic regions, mainly Finland, it is distinguished by its natural copper hue and warm, authentic texture.
Grey Fox
A wild species native to the United States and South America. Its fur features short, flat hairs—grey at the center and orange along the flanks. Often used as an inner lining, it has a strong, masculine character.
The Argentine Grey Fox is subject to CITES regulations (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Hybrid Varieties & Notable Crossbreeds
Blue Frost: A cross between Blue Fox (body) and Silver Fox (neck). Shorter hair with a grey base that dyes easily.
Arctic Marble: White fox with long hairs marbled in grey or black.
Arctic Marble Frost: The same variety as Arctic Marble, but with shorter hairs and a more matte texture.
There is a wide diversity of crossbreeds, each variety bringing its own unique visual personality to the creation.
Properties & Use
Fox pelts are generous, voluminous, and remarkably dense. They lend themselves equally well to statement pieces and opulent details: collars, hoods, trims, parka linings, or garments crafted entirely from fur.
Fox fur can be dyed in a wide palette, worked tone-on-tone or in contrast, to emphasize movement and play with light effects.
Care & Preservation
Due to its density and long hairs, fox fur requires particular attention to maintain its volume, natural shine, and suppleness over time. Essential recommendations include:
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct light (sun or spotlights), which can alter the shade and diminish its natural luster.
Protect your fur from moisture. If wet, shake it gently and allow it to dry flat in open air, away from any heat source. Never use a hair dryer or radiator.
Store on a wide, padded hanger inside a breathable fabric cover. Avoid plastic covers, which trap humidity.
Never compress fox fur in a confined space—its natural volume must breathe.
Avoid contact with perfumes, sprays, or cosmetics, which may dry the skin and stiffen the fur.
Occasionally brush gently by hand to revive its loft, or simply let the piece air out in a cool room.
Once a year, entrust your garment to a specialist for professional cleaning and reshaping. This preserves both the suppleness of the leather and the brilliance of the fur.
Care Ensures Longevity
Well-maintained fox fur retains its splendor for years, evolving with character and nobility.
It is a living, precious material—designed to be cherished and passed on—provided it is respected, protected, and cared for with attention.
A Light, Soft, and Subtle Fur
Rabbit fur is infinitely soft to the touch—fine, delicate, and prized above all for its thermal qualities and remarkable lightness.
Its supple, velvety texture makes it ideal both as a lining and as a trim, bringing comfort and warmth without adding weight to the silhouette.
Long-haired varieties are particularly delicate and naturally prone to shedding. For this reason, rabbit is often sheared or plucked, especially when used as lining for parkas or Army coats, to enhance durability and reduce hair loss over time.
Although less precious than other furs, rabbit remains a living, sensory material that requires special care to preserve all of its softness.
Care & Preservation
By nature more fragile, rabbit fur must be treated with extra attention:
Avoid excessive friction, particularly on shoulders, sleeves, or bag linings, as it accelerates hair wear.
Protect carefully from humidity—more so than with other furs. If it becomes wet, allow it to dry flat, in open air, away from any direct heat source.
Store away from light, in a breathable fabric cover. Never use plastic covers.
Avoid repeated dyeing or manipulation, which can further weaken the hair structure.
If your piece is lined with rabbit, avoid wearing overly heavy layers or making repeated movements that may prematurely wear the material.
Like all natural furs, rabbit should be entrusted to a specialist, ideally once a year, for professional cleaning and reshaping—ensuring suppleness, cleanliness, and volume.
Softness to Preserve
Rabbit fur captivates with its lightness and caress.
When properly cared for, it discreetly enhances winter garments, offering everyday warmth wrapped in subtle comfort.
The contemporary fur landscape embraces a refined approach to luxury—where subtle sophistication meets artisanal craftsmanship. Today's fur fashion celebrates both heritage techniques and modern silhouettes, creating pieces that transcend seasonal trends while maintaining their timeless appeal. Leading fashion houses continue to reimagine fur's place in the modern wardrobe, with discreet luxury becoming the defining aesthetic for discerning clients.
The quintessential fur coat has evolved into various distinguished silhouettes that define contemporary elegance. Long, fluid fur coats create dramatic statements for evening wear, while tailored, cropped styles offer versatile sophistication for daily elegance. Black hooded fur designs and white fur jackets remain coveted signature pieces, combining warmth with unmistakable refinement. Mink, fox, and shearling stand as the premier materials, each bringing unique texture and character to Yves Salomon's seasonal collections, where Parisian craftsmanship transforms exceptional materials into wearable art.
The Fall/Winter 2025 runways witnessed fur's dramatic resurgence, with a 33% increase in fur-focused looks compared to previous seasons. Sculptural silhouettes dominated, featuring exaggerated proportions and finely tuned draping. Miuccia Prada's radical interpretation of power dressing incorporated traditional fur stoles and accessories, while Rabanne showcased the most significant seasonal shift with faux fur pieces increasing by 1,259%. Yves Salomon's latest collection honors this renewed appreciation for fur's textural depth, presenting pieces where innovation meets tradition—each garment reflecting the Maison's commitment to responsible sourcing and timeless French elegance.
Real fur offers a distinctive natural feel with tapered, pointy ends and exceptional warmth. When parted, genuine fur reveals a leather base—the animal's skin—providing structure and durability. Faux fur, crafted from synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester, features uniform, blunt-cut fibers attached to a knitted mesh backing. While modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved faux fur's appearance, discerning consumers can still identify differences in texture and movement.
Modern fur farming operates within a framework of strict regulations designed to ensure animal welfare and environmental responsibility. The industry has evolved significantly, with organizations like the Finnish Furbreeders Association implementing ISO 9001-certified programs for animal health and welfare. In North America, over 90% of mink comes from farms certified under the Standard Guidelines for Operation, with mandatory veterinary inspections. The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) further establishes rigorous requirements for wild fur harvesting, ensuring ethical practices across Canada, the EU, and Russia. Yves Salomon remains committed to sourcing exclusively from certified operations that meet these international standards.
Fur has served as a marker of social status throughout history, from ancient Egyptian royalty to modern luxury fashion. Today's consumers approach fur with heightened awareness, seeking transparency about sourcing and production methods before making informed decisions. As a renewable, biodegradable resource, responsibly-sourced fur aligns with circular economy principles—contrasting with synthetic alternatives made from non-renewable petroleum. For generations, Women in fur have embodied a timeless elegance that transcends trends. While perspectives on fur remain diverse, Yves Salomon maintains a commitment to ethical sourcing while acknowledging the complex cultural conversations surrounding this heritage material.
The unique nature of fur demands specialized cleaning techniques that standard dry cleaning cannot provide. Our professional fur cleaning service uses gentle, solvent-based methods that respect both the delicate hair side and leather underside of your garment. Expert furriers employ time-honored techniques that remove impurities while preserving the natural oils essential to your fur's longevity.
Seasonal care checklist:
Real fur is attached to tanned skin, similar to thin leather, while faux fur has a fabric backing. Examine the base of the fur—if it resembles suede or leather, it's genuine. The burn test also helps: real fur smells like burning hair, while synthetic fur smells like plastic when singed.
Real fur consists of animal pelts where the hair remains attached to the natural skin. Different types include mink, fox, rabbit, beaver, and chinchilla, each offering unique characteristics of softness, durability, and texture. The natural composition provides superior insulation and distinctive appearance compared to synthetic alternatives.
Properly maintained real fur can last for generations—many vintage fur pieces remain in excellent condition after decades. With professional cleaning and appropriate storage away from heat (which can dry and crack the leather backing), fur maintains its natural luster and durability, making it a long-term investment rather than a temporary fashion item.
The manufacturing process begins with sorting and matching similar pelts. Craftsmen then cut the pelts into strips and resew them to create stronger, more uniform pieces. After washing to enhance softness, the fur undergoes a specialized tanning process. Finally, skilled furriers hand-stitch the pieces into garments, utilizing even small leftover pieces to minimize waste.
Real fur is primarily used in luxury fashion for coats, jackets, vests, and accessories like collars, cuffs, and trims. It also serves practical purposes in cold-weather gear, providing natural insulation. Interior designers incorporate fur in home décor through blankets and pillows, while some cultures continue to use fur in traditional ceremonial garments.
