OUTER REACHES; BRIGHT COLORS, SLIM CUTS AND BOLD TEXTURES WILL DRIVE THE MARKET COME WINTER.(clothing varieties)

Publication: WWD

Publication Date: 30-JAN-06

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Fairchild Publications, Inc.

Byline: Kavita Daswani

Lustrous sheared minks and plush dyed shearlings in streamlined silhouettes are shaping up to be the new face of outerwear next winter.

Hoping to give fur a young, contemporary edge, vendors in the outerwear category at WWDMAGIC have taken a razor to traditional furs such as fox and mink, shearing them close to the hide. Distressed leathers also are being touted as a hot seller for next season, as are eye-popping colors balanced with an earthy palette. As vendors said, it's all about impact.

Snug Fit

Shapes are being cut closer to the body, reflecting the tailored silhouette prevalent in fashion.

"We have found that our customer base requires distinct fits depending upon the market they are in," said Karl Matar, vice president of sales at Toronto-based Gimpex, which manufactures under the Hide Society label. "More fashion-forward retailers tend to favor our slim-fitting garments."

Matar added that, while the relaxed fit is still sought out by traditional furriers, a close-to-the-body look is finding increased demand in the marketplace. He is rendering these shapes in ultrasoft baby lamb under the Aquilo Amiq line, with average wholesale prices between $750 and $900, as well as...

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