USE OF RABBITSKINS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 113, 5 February 1924, Page 7

USE OF RABBITSKINS

FACTOR IN CHANGING FASHIONS London, February 2. The increasing use of rabbitskins is becoming a marked factor in changing women’s fashions. Formerly a 20()U--guinea seal or chinchilla coat lasted the wealthy wearer a lifetime. Now fashion compels changes for those claiming smartness. In view of the growing scarcity of most skins, fur traders aro making a more extensive use of the rabbit, which the development of skill in dyeing and dressing enables to appear in various forms. European princesses and other leaders of fashion are wearing charming rabbit coats costing 30 to 50 guineas, while shop girls ire able to purchase plainer coats at two to five guineas. ’ Dealers predict a greater future for Australian and New Zealai’J skins. Hudson Bay skins are selling, in London at a 30 per cent, advance, and a general rise is expected. This is attributed to Germany's attempt to recapture the dyeing and dressing trade, resulting in dearer garments six months hence, it is proposed to establish a Furrieiy Technical College in London to teach the manifold modern processes, particularly those for disguising tho rabbitskin. The fur trade is organising an exhibition in London in June. —Sydney “Sun” Gables.