In the last few seasons fur has become fashionable again, reappearing on numerous runways. Yet, there are two main reasons why this is a trend for only a few ones: apart from the fact that the majority of consumers can not afford real fur, most of us are also not so keen on killing animals. Faux fur is one option, but yarns that imitate fur may be another.
Manifattura Sesia's A/W 2015-16 collection (showcased during Pitti Filati 75) revolves around furry and voluminous yarns: at their Pitti stand the company showcased some interesting knitwear samples made with Bio Fur yarn (66% Organic Wool; 28% Alpaca; 6% Polyamide) that seemed to perfectly reproduce the fur of white foxes or call to mind white bears.
Matching a furry yarn such as Bio Fur with a less voluminous one (Vivienne: 70% Mohair and 30% Silk; or Fabergé: 77% Silk and 23% Polyester) and employing the former for fur-like sleeves and skirts and the latter for the bust of a top, allowed to create quite elegant pieces.
Lynxes, brown bears and bisons inspired instead more casual garments in an earthy palette made with Sawai and Perù yarns (55% Alpaca Super Fine; 24% Merino Wool; 21% Polyamide), Furetto (92% Merino Wool and 8% Polyamide) and New Jersey (100% Fine Merino Wool).
Foxes, squirrels, and beavers were instead the main inspirations for voluminous jackets made with Nuvolari (64% Organic Wool; 28% Alpaca; 8% Polyamide) and Artic + Echos (70% Organic Wool and 30% Alpaca).
It is still possible to find chemical-free metallic yarns for all those knitwear designers who would like to lit up the natural shades of bio fur with some sparkling and shiny effects.
Most metallic yarns contain formaldehyde and national safety standards in clothing vary in the USA and the European Union (where the formaldehyde content in clothing must be equal to 75ppm). Yet formaldehyde content differs depending on colour and it can therefore be difficult to manage.
For a few years Kyototex has been experimenting with metallic yarns containing no formaldehyde and, for the next wintry season, apart from the usual Zero Manna yarns in various combinations of colours, the company launched a new product - Abigail-Matte - characterised by an advanced smoothness and ideal for hand-knit projects, accessories or partial decorations.
To celebrate its safe metallic yarns containing no formaldehyde, Kyototex created a small installation for its stand at the latest Pitti Filati, that featured a flock of colourful sheep.
So now you know it, if you like the texture and consistency or fur, there's no need to go with the herd, but you can find your own way to recreate it with yarns.
Member of the Boxxet Network of Blogs, Videos and Photos
Member of the Boxxet Network of Blogs, Videos and Photos
Comments