LATEST FUR NEWS FROM LONDON

Evening Star, Issue 25708, 4 February 1946, Page 10

LATEST FUR NEWS FROM LONDON

MR A. G. HASLETT INTERVIEWED In spite of the blitz and other disabilities, war-toni London has carried on " business as usual " to a remarkable degree right through the war, according to Mr A. G. Haslett, who has come out from Harrod's under engagement to the Pattison Ede Company Ltd. Mr Haslett said that there had been a remarkable demand for really high-priced furs. His firm had at'.the outbreak of war huge stocks in a wide range of Furs, and were able to cater for much of this trade. Mr Haslett mentioned Mink Coats at £5.000 and Ermine Coats at £I,OOO upwards. Most of the expensive furs were purchased by stage and screen celebrities. Naturally, as in New Zealand, there was an increased demand for remodelling and restyling of valuable furs. Mr Haslett instanced •Princess Juliana as one of the notabilities for'-whom he did remodelling. Prior to his six years with Harrod's, Mr Haslett was with Debenham's Ltd.. a huge organisation controlling such well J known London firms as Debenham and Freebody, Marshall and Snelgrove, Swan and Edgar, Harvey Nicholls. A number of large establishments in the vicinity of Oxford street, controlled by this firm, were connected by underground passages, and drew stocks from a common source. Mr Haslett was employed by Harrod's as head fur designer and pattern cutter. He is under contract, to act in a similar capacity for New Zealand's leading manufacturing furriers, Tne Pattison Ede Company Ltd. Mr Haslett will take charge of the firm's Christchurch workrooms, and will design and draught patterns for the company's other houses. This firm, which already employs a large skilled staff, will also utilise the services of Mr Haslett to train and otherwise assist in the rehabilitation of returned service personnel His engagement is in line with the " Pattison Ede " policy of maintaining the highest possible standards of selection of slkins, design, and fur manufacture in all its phases.— [ Advt -] ________