Jessica Herman

Contrary to popular belief and scientific truth, furs are aging like fine wine in the world of high fashion.

Perhaps it's still not cool to wear freshly made fur, but vintage fur is a mink of another color. The collective conscience of animal lovers, fur haters and vintage-wearing fashionistas seems to have rationalized buying fur, as long as it's had a few decades of use. We found a few shops around town that apparently got the memo.

Tucked in between racks of beaded cardigans, Store B (1472 N. Milwaukee) offers a three-part selection of faux furs, real furs and coats with fur trim. Costing between $115 and $135, the faux is mostly sixties-made, mixed with an occasional leopard-and-leather seventies getup. Behind them, wool and cashmere coats with fur details run the gamut of styles and decades. The collection of full-on furs--muskrat, rabbit, Persian lamb, mink, squirrel, fox, you name it--hangs around the back of the store, accompanied by a handful of fur bonnets and headbands. Their most recent addition: a full-length sealskin coat with Bakelite buttons.

If you're in the market for something a bit more "primitive" and less traditional, head to Post-Op Renaissance (2116 W. Division). While owner Trisha Rivera carries a trunk-load of white seventies fox furs and a decent collection of fifties cropped jackets, her specialty is a limited collection of deconstructed fur garments. Rivera uses fur scraps to make jewelry-like fur collars secured with vintage medallions ($30), oversized fur collars ($80-$120) and hand-ripped, lined fur wraps that close with hooks and eyes (about $125).

On the North Side, Chicago Fur Outlet (777 W. Diversey) sells mostly resale furs, so you must request a peek at the vintage collection. Among the sparse assortment, you'll find "retro" seventies looks in leather and fox and an elegant twenties-style cape.

For ladies who aren't looking to commit, Urbane Weddings (1920 N. Damen) offers a rent-a-fur program. Customers reserve a weekend to borrow a stole, jacket or vest ($100-$250) for special occasions.

(2004-11-17)

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