Man wearing fur since ancient times. Even in the I century AD, the standard-bearers of the Roman legions covered their helmets with skins of lions and bears. It was believed that with the skins of these animals legionnaires passed mystical power of the gods. At all times wear fur is not only for decoration, but especially to protect from the cold and bad weather. Perhaps it was the fur man owes his life - who knows what would have been the story, if not warm fur? Therefore it is not surprising that the coats are still an important element of fashion aesthetics and clothing from fur and leather is an integral part of our culture.

A brief history

Celts and Germans in Western Europe the first in the history of the continent began to cut clothes from animal skins, fur outside stitching their tunics napodobii Tunica: from ancient Greece to the present day But the honor of "invention" of fur coats in the usual form belongs to the Arabs. In VIII-IX centuries, using furs exported from Russia, Arab furriers steel sheathing skins of sables and martens floors long coats only to nobles or merchant clothes looked even more luxurious.

By the XIII century prototype of the modern fur coats fur outside I appeared in the Mongolian steppes. Neck warriors of Genghis Khan not close the collar and lapels Malachi. To make it warmer under a fur coat worn another, twisting her fur to the body.

With the advent of weaving fur partially lost its importance, but the materials of animal origin, such as wool is still actively used. During this period, coats sometimes used to protect against pests and parazitov.V Europe the first prototypes for the fur trade routes came early Middle Ages, the Muslim East. As in the countries of the Caliphate, and in Europe at the beginning clothes trimmed with fur just for luxury. By the end of the XVI century merchants and aristocrats sported throughout the year on the streets and in their homes in the long sleeveless fur trimmed.

In the twentieth century the attitude towards fur changed. After the appearance of the scandalous novel by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch for fur Fur - Luxury is timeless   firmly entrenched epithet "sexy." In the first half of the twentieth century, coats sewn to the ankle, was cut straight waist, in contrast to the shoulders, not stressed. Especially popular among the high society of both sexes use coats of silver chinchilla fur, but fur coats of mink and fox were also in vogue.

During the war there were cheaper and astrakhan fur tsigeykovye with metal buttons on the cuffs, belted wide belts. After the war, in 1950, demand began to use a special red and white fur: squirrel, fox, fox ... In the second half of the twentieth century in vogue long-haired fur - a traditional fox, and with it came new - Mining goat, bear, raccoon and wolf.

Shuba as a status symbol

Long before, in coats and capes of fox and mink dressed Hollywood starlet, clothing, fur was considered a sign of high status. Fur wrong side and finish - a characteristic feature of the royal robes, a symbol of royalty. Normally, sew robes used pure white with black patches of fur ermine. Why is that? It is believed that the ermine (white in winter) symbolizes royal dignity, purity and chastity, and is associated with the justice system. Even today, members of the British royal family only wear this fur? The exclusivity of fur, associated notions of luxury, many have contributed to an increase in its value.

Breeding animals for fur

Fur farming emerged in the middle of the XIX century, when many fur-bearing animals are threatened with extinction. Breeding animals on special farms provide a constant flow of fur skins on the market. On zverovodstvodcheskih farm also get the best skins, since animals are well fed and are not in danger of falling into the clutches of predators.

The fur as a luxury item

Recently, an urgent need for the fur disappeared, and the turn of the century it has become a luxury item. Although the fur and wool are still widely used in the mass production of clothes, fur mink, fox and exotic predators became the prerogative of the rich and famous. Before the advent of artificial fur only wealthy people could afford a fur coat Fur - Fashion nobility and charm of vintage   from whole skins of the same animal, and not from the skins of different colors. Dyed fur has also become popular - it's a great option for those who could not afford to buy a coat of fur.

The movement against the use of fur

However, not everyone loves fur. In the 1960s there was a movement for the rights of animals, and the first time the use of fur in fashion met with a mixed reaction in the community. Since then, only the consciousness of society is growing, the number of organizations opposed to fur increases. The largest and most famous of these organizations - PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). PETA was founded in 1980 as a non-commercial organization and today has offices around the world, including the UK, India, Germany, Asia, and the Netherlands. According to some reports, the number of supporters of PETA approaching one million.

Fur today

Currently coats are very popular, largely due to the use of artificial or vintage fur. Many holders of luxurious furs benefited from the advent of artificial fur as a pretext once again flaunt clothing made of natural fur, without fear of condemnation from activists. Fur coats and today remains a symbol of status and good taste, and probably, it will not change nikogla.

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