The North American Fur and Fashion Exposition in Montreal, now in its 14th year, is considered the biggest fair of its kind in North America. It is also one of the most important fur-marketing events in the world.
Over 200 fur, leather and fashion outwear designers, manufacturers and suppliers were on hand to exhibit at the fair. A majority were Canadian companies, but over a third were international exhibitors—mostly from the U.S., but also from Europe and Asia.
In attendance were over 5,500 buyers from Canada and around the world.
The focus of this year’s event was a showcase of new talent and trends in the fur industry. The use of recycled fur and trimmings along with the traditional fur coat were highlights of the four-day event “The best thing about the year’s fair was the many young designers featured,” said Ysabel Trujillo, communications director of the Fur Council of Canada.
“We’re seeing young designers like D’Arcy Moses who can make a statement and a garment.” The exposition included a showcase of young designers who used recycled fur for accessories that was displayed as part of a competition among young Quebec designers. Trujillo said the younger designers in their 20s and 30s stick to the principle that fur is renewable and a natural product, and this can be seen in their work.
“It’s good for the fur industry, because it’s a direction the furriers and consumers are taking,” said Trujillo.
“Although this past year wasn’t great for furs because of the warm weather, a lot of consumers are buying things that suit their lifestyle.
“And they see fur coats are durable and natural.” The other highlights of the fair included looking into the future and forecasting that more consumers will be interested in buying recycled material. Designers are meeting that need.
“What we’re also seeing is that more Native people like D’Arcy Moses are making their presence felt in the fur industry.”
