Chicago in November. On a bright but cold November morning, one in which the temperature I ventured out into hovered around 10 degrees, I headed by train into the city of Chicago. The day after 13.5 inches of snow had settled onto the town of Woodstock from which I departed, the journey into Chicago was also layered in the hue of white. The snow that had laden heavy upon the tree branches glistened like shining dust of sparkling diamonds. Shimmering and twinkling. The blue sky became a backdrop to the snowy Winter wonderland scene…
Blurred: Moving Train & November Snowfall
The sound of the train moving on the tracks harkened to a daylight version of Polar Express. Magic surrounded. Crystalized snow blowing past with the force and speed of the train was stunning to watch. Alas, when one lives within the great Midwest, expecting the unexpected serves one well. Changing seasons. Each moment one in which to be appreciated. Although the city was clear of snow on its streets, it was a chilly world that surrounded as I forged onward in seeking inspiration from behind the lens. Inspiration is seasonless. It is not bound by changing weather patterns. It is constant. If only we look closer…
Chicago In November
So, prepared with layers of warmth, onward I walked. And looking closer behind the fashionable windows of Chicago? A Holiday mix of visuals that delighted. Indeed, the Holiday’s are upon us. The windows told a tale of Holiday reverie and the attire that one adorns in the celebration of memorable moments ahead. Timeless classics of tried-and-true fashionable appeal paired with whimsy. Fashion’s inspiration, indeed…
Sequined Delight: Michael KorsHoliday Flair: Salvatore FerragamoHermès: Enduring Fashionable AppealNovember’s Fashionable Windows: Max Mara & GucciHoliday Glamour Behind The Windows Of Ralph LaurenTimeless & Alluring: Ralph LaurenBurberry’s: Holiday Delights Of Charming & Fashionable AppealFashion’s Whimsy Of Holiday: Burberry’sBlack & White Holiday EleganceFashion’s Classics In Black And WhiteFashion’s Classics: Sequins & NeutralsWinter’s Sherpa Warmth & Suede: Fashionable Distinction Behind The Windows Of FashionNeiman Marcus: Holiday Glitz And GlamourPlumage Of Vivid & Fashionable Appeal: Neiman MarcusHoliday Delights Of Visual Appeal: Neiman MarcusFashionable Inspiration On The City Streets: Chicago
Consider the fashionable windows that surround. Visual delights that promote a season. That promote an ideal. That provide whimsy and fantasy or the elegance of grand display. Fashion’s merchandizing captured from behind the lens. Details in which to pause and appreciate. The world of fashion itself is constant. Like life itself, change is inevitable. The mere images I capture are moments in time of fashion. Fashion changes. In agreement with the words of Coco Chanel…
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same”
-Coco Chanel
Style. Remember that it is our personal style that we carry throughout the year. Throughout time. That style, unique to you, can find inspiration in what surrounds. In appreciation. Fashion’s inspirations from the behind the fashionable windows of Chicago, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
My “Selfie”: Mirrored Reflections From The Window of Ralph Lauren
The Fur “Trapper” Hat & The Topper of Stylish Warmth
Perhaps when faced with what is now referred to as an “arctic blast” or a seemingly “polar vortex”, the donning of a cap of fur may very well seem essential. Alas, the “Trapper” hat. The warmth of fur when the weather takes a turn for intense chill is irreplaceable. Perhaps there is nogreater warmth from Winter’s chill than that of the fur “Trapper” hat. Referred to as a traditional Russian fur Winter hat with ear flaps, known as a “Ushanka”, this hat of stylish warmth is also referred to as an “Shapka” . A “Shapka” means “hat” for a classical Russian fur hat that is a “round, slightly tapered and brimless fur hat”. With flaps, the hat can be left down for protection and tied under the chin or can be tied up to the crown. Options in hats of protection. For certain, the best protection from freezing temperatures is covering the ears. Of interest, the term “Ushanka” translates from the Russian as “with ears” and includes the Russian word for “Ushi” meaning “ears”. Of course! It is certainly the original “ear flap” hat that offers the greatest protection of the ears during exposure from the frigid arctic airs that engulf those of us that dwell within the climates that bring Winter’s harshest elements. The classic Russian hat that has inspired an evolution of styles throughout history…
The history of fur hats in cold climates is linked to centuries past. History states that before the European colonization of the Americas, Russia was a major supplier of fur pelts to Western Europe and parts of Asia. Russian fur trappers, called “Promyshlenniki”, began trapping fur during the Early Middle Ages. Quite a history in search of warmth and protection. The lure and appeal of fur would lead the fur trade to eventually become a worldwide trade and further the interest and initiative in the exploration of areas such as Siberia and North America. The North American fur trade began during the 1530’s and was a key component in the early relations with the natives of what is now Canada and the United States. It is interesting to note that Russian fur traders from Alaska would establish their largest settlement in California in 1812. Who knew? Either way, a mere appreciation of the history of an object of warmth that would allow for extreme cold temperatures to be endured…
Historied Fur Trappers
In regards to the “Trapper” hat, it was only during the 19th century that strings were added to the earflaps of the fur hats. During the early 1900s the hat itself became popular with the youth (due to the warmth of the earpieces) as well as young ‘rebels’, particularly in St Petersburg, Russia. Who knew? A statement, indeed. Of interest, the referral to the “Trapper” hat as a “Russian Cap” is said to be the result of the Winter War between Russia & Finland during 1939-1940. The Red Army introduced a new winter uniform which included a Ushanka to replace its predecessor – the legendary Red Army felt cap known as the Budyonovka. Since 1940 the “Ushanka” has been an official winter hat not only for the army but also for the militsia (police) in the Soviet Union. Alas, warmth as form and function.
Toppers Of Fur In History & American President, Gerald Ford (1974)
The second half of the 20th Century saw the “Ushanka” become an icon of the Soviet Union. In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russian Winter hats were commercially imported into the United States. Fashion clearly took hold from there. Although fur caps of similar design are found throughout China, North Korea, Mongolia , Eastern Europe in addition to the former Soviet Union republics, it appears that the hat of fur will remain referenced to the “Russian Shapka”.
With the natural weight of fur, variations in the variegated depths of fur color and styles, the added indulgent softness of genuine fur is certain to offer luxurious warmth to those it layers. Draping the head, neck and ear of those that seek warmth, the stylish appeal is distinctively a fashion statement of its own right. What was once for necessity perhaps has become a fashionable element of iconic style. Whether real fur or faux, the distinction of the hat itself has endured as form and function. This fur hat hat of warmth has certainly evolved to become a collection piece within the world of fashion. An object of enduring appeal. Of course, style and warmth endure and fashion always evolves…
Timeless Warmth In FurFabulous Fur: The Adornment of The Fur HatRussian Interpretations: The “Trapper” HatWinter’s Protection: The Stylish Fur “Trapper” HatOutdoor Delights Under Layers Of Fur: The “Trapper” HatFearless Style Facing Any Weather: The Fur “Trapper” HatFur Delight: The Topper Of Warmth Crowning The HeadVariations Of Fashionable Fur: The “Trapper” HatThe Fur Hat: The Arctic Style Of Protection
Of course, aside from the iconic “Trapper” hat, the mere appreciation of a topper of fur deserves our focus…elegance of fashion’s enduring style with fur, indeed…
Vintage Appeal: The Fur HatFashion’s Proclamation: The Appeal Of The Fur Hat EnduresCrowned With Caps Of Fur: The Timeless Appeal Of Fashionable FurElegance With Fur: The Timeless Style Of Fur HatsFur Impact: The Embellishment Of Classic Warmth
Consider the warmth and luxury of donning a fur “trapper” hat or topper of fur. Style and warmth unite. Whether fur or faux, a distinctive and timeless appeal with options in pairing that delivers a personal fashionable statement of one’s own awaits . Whether an “arctic snap” faces us or merely a chill that we require extreme warmth from, the topper of “fur” will provide comfort (and style). For those of us that linger within the Winter climates that cause us to brave the elements with a fervor, a crown that lightly cascades around us in protection is a key element in our cache of cold weather attire. Distinctive warmth of enduring fashionable appeal, indeed…
Kristin
PS: Alas, living where the Winter chill settles in, Chicago and its surrounds certainly benefits from the layer of fur crowning the heads of those that dwell within the great Midwest. For certain, a “Trapper” hat will be in my future. Now, to find that perfect hat of enduring warmth….
The Adornment Of Fur: Fashion’s Statement Of Warmth
The adornment of fur. Luxurious Winter warmth of fashionable style…
This iconic clothing and accessory of warmth has a history that is said to travel back to the beginning of time. Thought to be among the first garment of bodily decoration, it has been worn throughout history. The Intuit peoples of the Arctic relied on fur almost exclusively for warmth from the elements. The fur trade, the worldwide buying and selling of fur, is said to have been one of the driving forces of exploration in North America and the Russian Far East. Traditional to Russsian, Scandinavian and even Japanese clothing, the history of fur continues onward. In fact, during the first half of the century, in the affluent West, this garment had a tremendous presence. Due to its superior warmth and durability, it is no wonder that fashion would embrace its layer of insulation for its own purposes. Glamour with warmth would unite, indeed.
Although controversy has existed with the fur trade itself, the fashionable history that fur has had cannot be denied. The controversy that surround the trade, however, is not my focus. My focus falls onto the absolute beauty of the garment that has provided not only crucial warmth, but one that has evolved throughout time as an icon of fashion. Fashion will certainly never remove its chic addition of warmth and style from its runways. The mass appeal of this timeless and fashionable garment, with links to sophistication and elegance, will always remain true to its past. Perhaps once representing the height of luxury, an ultimateobject of desire, the fur coat still symbolizes a dream of glamour, itself. The height of fashion, indeed. As it is said, nothing keeps you warmer than real fur…
Lustrous Fur Of Female GlamourFashion’s Striking Statement Of FurFur Of Warmth & StyleVintage Elegance: The Adornment Of FurFashion’s Archives Of Fashionable FurFashion’s Vintage Archives Of “Fur”Exotic Style Of Fashionable FurThe Embellishment Of Fur
Consider the adornment of fur. Whether the warmth and luxury of real fur or a sumptuous faux, the adornment of “Fur” will always fill fashion’s archives, in style. Never just a trend, but always a classic.
House Appeal 