In modern fashion, which is prone to any experiments, there are still things that require not only a special approach to choice, but also the ability to wear. One of these trends is the fur muff. This exquisite accessory can both emphasize refined taste and pretty much ruin your stylish reputation.
Fur women's hand muff
This fashionable addition first appeared in Italy in the fourteenth century. At that time, Italian women had an urgent need to insulate and protect their hands, since the humid climate and strong winds mercilessly harmed the skin and spoiled the appearance. This stylish wardrobe element immediately gained unprecedented popularity and became a sign of wealth, because not every girl could afford such luxury. Considering the activity of modern fashionistas, this choice is considered not the most practical, but very graceful and elegant. And the most fashionable solution was a muff made of natural fur:
Mink muff
The most popular purchases are considered to be products made from the most expensive and rare hair of small animals. Mink fur hand muffs will emphasize not only the originality and sophistication of the style, but also a touch of luxury, elegance, and grace. The advantage of such products is high functionality and protection from the most severe frosts. But at the same time, the accessory is lightweight, which is important during the period of bulky bows. All colors of rare skins are trending – classic black, rich brown, blue and white. Designers use solid cuts and expensive yarn.
Fox muff
Such models will always become the most important element in the image thanks to their bright and rich fiery colors. Fox fur hand muffs are also popular due to their fluffy appearance. This solution will be especially relevant for those who are looking for a relatively inexpensive option, but always made from natural pile. An original feature of such models is the ability to make even the most modest and nondescript look bright and attractive.
Rabbit fur muff
This option has become the most budget-friendly. However, in terms of functionality and protection from the cold, such an accessory is not inferior to expensive products made from rare pile. The most popular colors remain natural colors - black rabbit fur muff, white and gray models. However, the hair of these animals tolerates dyeing and tinting very well. Therefore, the modern market offers a wide range of rabbit accessories of unnatural shades. Delicate pastel solutions are considered especially stylish - lilac, rose and peach, vanilla, mint and others.
Arctic fox coupling
The main advantage of arctic fox accessories is their very beautiful appearance. The hair of these animals is uniformly thick and fluffy. But at the same time, the finished product is very warm and light. A muff made of arctic fox fur looks very impressive and expensive. And to add attractiveness, designers paint accessories in different shades. The favorable tendency of arctic fox hair to tint helps to give even the most saturated and poisonous shade. Single-color solutions and multi-colored designs are in fashion.
Silver fox coupling
These models look simply amazing. Firstly, the density and length of the pile plays a big role in the attractiveness of the design. Secondly, interesting colors add originality. Women's silver fox fur muff can be either light or dark. It all depends on which shade of wool was used more - silver or black. Silver fox skins are considered very strong and durable. Therefore, such a purchase will last you more than one season, even with active daily wear.
Faux fur muff
In modern fashion, products made from synthetic pile are considered popular. Eco-fur muffs have become a trend, which in appearance is no different from natural expensive products. However, it is worth considering that such models are less practical and provide less protection from the cold. However, designers have found a solution to this problem - a fleece or flannelette lining. The most popular is the faux mink fur muff. Additions for other short-haired or cropped skins are also in trend. But long pile is not welcome in such collections, since over time it gets confused and loses its appearance.
Fur clutch bag
An original and functional acquisition was the model, complete with a handle. This accessory is used not only to protect hands from the cold, but also as a carrier for small items - documents, keys, mobile phone, and others. The fur muff-bag can be complemented with a long strap. This option can be worn on the shoulder or as a ross-body. A model for hand wear was a stylish choice. There is a small handle or no handle at all. The last option is presented in the form of an envelope. But in any design there is a through pocket for hands.
What to wear with a fur muff?
The most difficult thing in the case of an exquisite fur accessory is the question of combining it with clothing and other details in the image. It is important to know that such a wardrobe element does not tolerate experimentation. When choosing such a detail, you should exclude any items of sporty and casual style. But romantic, evening and formal ensembles will become more elegant. Stylists do not recommend wearing a stylish accessory with a fur coat. But if you really want to, outerwear should be made of short or cut pile. But let's look at the most current solutions:
Fur muff and hat
The strictness of combining a fashion accessory with other fur products does not apply to the choice of headdress. Stylists even recommend complementing the look with a fur muff with a hat made of identical pile. Then the whole look will be harmonious and stylish. However, the design of accessories may differ; there are no categorical prohibitions in this matter. Accessories for arms with long fur and a headdress with cropped fur look especially stylish. The original choice would be in the shape of the head of the animal from which the products are made, for example, a rabbit, fox or squirrel and others.
Not every modern fashionista knows how to properly use a fur muff in her own wardrobe. The ability to wear this thing is a real art that is definitely worth mastering.
Fur muff and legends of the royal court
According to fashion historians, this unusual accessory first appeared in Italy, and to be absolutely precise, in Venice in the 14th century. Humid climate and strong winds, as well as the need to always look elegant. contributed to the emergence of couplings.
Proof of this is the paintings of that time, in which ladies from secular society covered their hands with fur muffs.
This accessory immediately turned into a symbol of wealth, high status and position in society. This is not surprising, because women's muffs were made exclusively from the furs of the most expensive and rare animals - marten, sable and even ermine, which was worth its weight in gold.
Muffs quickly conquered medieval Europe, especially France.
King with a fur muff in his hands
Not only ladies wore them: For a long time they were considered a men's accessory. The legendary French King Louis XIV was an ardent admirer and owner of an impressive collection of muffs. He was the first to use this accessory not just as a beautiful wardrobe item, but also as a stylish handbag. The king carried a fan, tobacco and even cosmetics in it.
Muffs at a fashion show
Muffs have a reputation as an expensive and status accessory from the very beginning of their appearance on the stage of the fashion industry. It is a kind of business card of the owner, eloquent evidence of her high position in society.
However, the aristocracy always had their own rules, and this accessory was no exception - they preferred to wear muffs with fur inside and line them with velvet and silk on the outside. Luxurious and skillful embroidery adorned the most excellent specimens.
Fur muff with leather trim
The muff took a leading position in the history of fashion also because ladies in the old days did not use bags for their intended purpose. Muffs were perfect for this role - the internal pockets securely stored the necessary small, sometimes secret things, and, if desired, a miniature lap dog could fit there.
Elegant fur accessories
Muffs again became very popular in the 20s and 30s of the last century, when they again became a symbol of wealth and demonstrated the status of the owner. At that time, they were sewn with the fur facing out and richly decorated.
Look at these photos, the fur muff in them is a real fashion masterpiece:
Set: coupling and hood
Set: coupling, hood
Laws of style or how to wear a fur muff correctly
In the fashionable and vibrant trends of the present time, the clutch has not lost its popularity. She continues to play the role of a luxurious accessory. Of course, she could not find a place in everyday practical looks, but the presence of an elegant feminine muff made of expensive fur will definitely make the wardrobe of any lady special.
Stylish looks with a clutch bag
What to wear with a women's muff? This accessory will make any evening look luxurious and absolutely exceptional - even the simplest, flattering black sheath dress will be significantly transformed if you add this luxurious accessory to it. In terms of its style, the muff has nothing to do with the “retro” style; it can be perfectly combined with ultra-modern clothing items.
Women's fur muff bag
The most interesting in this regard is the model, complemented by thin belts or chains, so that it can be worn around the neck, elegantly descending to the level of the elbow. With such an accessory it is simply impossible to go unnoticed!
Fur muff and stylish looks
The laws of style dictate certain rules. Under no circumstances should the muff be worn with other fur products, for example, with a luxurious fur coat. But at the same time, it creates a surprisingly stylish look when combined with a fur hat.
However, designers advise in this case use different types of fur: fluffy fox and sleek sheared mink, rabbit and luxurious red or black and brown fox. A muff will add the missing coquetry and sophistication to simple, pragmatic dresses that are so popular nowadays.
Ideas about the clutch never cease to excite the most famous and daring designers. Vivienne Westwood, known for her provocative “hippie chic,” and the royal fur of the respectable models of the House of Fendi today represent the most original and elegant versions of this accessory.
Models of couplings for baby strollers
Modern versions of this accessory return it to the original idea - warm hands and an elegant appearance even in bad weather. In addition to evening, expensive and truly luxurious options, the current trend is practical models.
Models of fur muffs have been developed for walking with children in strollers. They attach to the handle of the stroller to provide warmth and comfort during long walks in the frosty air. This option will be appreciated by young mothers, for whom daily walks are a mandatory daily ritual. Such models of muffs are sewn from the most democratic, but at the same time warm material - felted sheep wool.
Fur muff for stroller
Some ideas regarding this accessory are currently embodied in the most unexpected images:
- Models made of faux fur or simply knitted, leather models with fur inside and shaped like elegant handbags.
- Original decorations and fantastic edges are an essential part of such models.
- Brushes, brocade, embroidery with decoration made of beads or rhinestones.
Unexpected solutions for using fur muffs
Women's muff in traditional Russian style with embroidery
As in the Middle Ages, a beautiful accessory for hands - a women's fur muff - looks expensive and somewhat pretentious, emphasizing the high status and reputation of the owner.
Couplings have been known since very ancient times. A funnel-shaped extension of narrow sleeves, which was found in both men and women, is considered a kind of prototype of the muff. A fur muff of a traditional cylindrical shape appeared in Venice, where it became an independent accessory.
Perhaps they existed before, but if we focus on portraits of women, the first fur muffs became widespread in the middle of the 16th century in Italy. At the same time, Italian muffs played mostly the role of a luxurious accessory rather than warming hands, since Italy is not characterized by severe frosts. Russia is a different matter, that’s where couplings were used for their intended purpose! Only, unfortunately, Militta could not establish whether there were couplings in Russia earlier than in Italy or not. Russian history is shrouded in many secrets; it is constantly being rewritten and remade, so it is not possible to know for sure.
And in Europe, the muff became a fairly important element of the wardrobe; it was often given attention not only in painting, but also in literature. For example, Cesare Vecellio, in his book on costumes, wrote about Venetian ladies of the late 16th century: “In winter they wear muffs made of good fur - the muffs are lined with silk or velvet, and in summer they wear gloves.”
Since the muff was also a symbol of wealth and was worth a lot of money, it was worn exclusively by the aristocracy. Muffs of those years were made from a variety of furs - from sheepskin to sable. In addition to fur, feathers, silk, velvet, and brocade were used. The products were decorated with embroidery, lace, pearls and gold embroidery. Unlike modern muffs, in those days these accessories were made with the fur inside.
Commoners were not allowed to wear a muff due to their status, but those who could afford it took it with them not only on the street, but also did not let it out of their hands indoors, because a rich muff in itself was a decoration.
Men wore muffs almost equally with women. Perhaps the trendsetter of this fashion was Louis XIV, who with age became very fond of furs.
The second role of the fur muff
In those ancient times, there were no such comfortable ones, there were no minoudières decorated with rhinestones and precious stones, so muffs to some extent served as handbags.
Louis XIV carried snuffs, a fan, a watch and many other small things in his muffs. And his muffs were often made of exotic fur - tiger or panther. Louis XIV wasn't the only king who loved muffs. They wrote about Henry III that he adored “perfume, cosmetics, earrings, velvet and satin muffs trimmed with fur.”
Then the fashion changed, and after it the couplings changed. Men chose smaller couplings, while women, on the contrary, sought to purchase a larger coupling. It even got to the point that some ladies managed to hide their dog in a fur muff!
They also tried to perfume the muff with perfume or other incense. This was done in order, on the one hand, to slightly cover up the unpleasant odors of the streets, and on the other, to leave behind the lady a trail of perfume that would attract attention...
The tradition of scenting muffs did not lose popularity for a long time; even one of the heroines, George Sand, described her childhood and shared her memories: “Finally, we left the house, and, hearing the rustle of our dresses, inhaling the aroma of our scented muffs, everyone turned around to look after us. "
The design of the coupling is extremely simple - it is a pipe into which gloved hands fit comfortably. Thus, in order to sew the simplest muff, you don’t have to make a pattern, but simply calculate the dimensions of the rectangle that forms the basis of the craft. If you wear a muff with a thin coat, the diameter of the finished muff should be smaller, but if you wear it with a fur coat or a voluminous jacket, it should be larger.
What to make a coupling from?
Quite a lot of materials are suitable for creating hand muffs - natural and artificial fur, various woolen fabrics... The warmest muff will be made from whole arctic fox skin or similar, but an equally warm product can be sewn from wool lined with wool batting (or other filler , capable of retaining heat). Well, for beauty, you can make a trim around the edge from strips of fur. Also, for the convenience of wearing the muff, you will need a silk cord, braid or leather strap.
The procedure for sewing a coupling
Determine the coupling size that is comfortable for you. This can be done by simply folding your hands as if they were in a muff and measuring the resulting girth. Please note that this must be done in winter clothes. To the resulting measurement, add at least 4-7 cm for loose fit and seams. The length of the product can be approximately 30-40 cm.
Sew a lining (fine wool or polyester) to the top layer of the muff (fur or thick woolen fabric). The size of the pad must match the size of the top layer of the coupling.
Sew the seam along the pipe. You can also use a zipper or buttons to connect the coupling.
Sew a braid onto the opposite edges of the product, on which the muff will hang around your neck.
Helpful advice: It will be more convenient to use the muff if you sew a small pocket with a zipper into the lining. You can put a travel ticket, keys, and other necessary little things in it.
I would also like to note that the possibilities for decorating the muff are very large. For example, you can simply pin on a large brooch, but if you have the skills, the muff can be embroidered using any technique and decorated with bright fabric.
