Furrier Adrienne Landau has made a name for herself (not to mention developing a loyal and celebrated clientele) because of the fabulous variety of her products, and her ability to identify, hone in and capitalize on current trends. Of course, it can be said that Ms. Landau is a true pioneer and she is one of the very first fur designers to offer eclectic and unusual items (one does not come to Adrienne Landau for a traditional fur coat or jacket) as well as an impressive range of products. Giving credit where credit is due, she was also one of the very first to transport fur accessories like hats, capes, scarves, shawls, bags, and gloves to star status, one of the first to integrate furs into home décor (with her mink and crochet throws, baby blankets, beaded chinchilla printed rabbit pillows) AND, she will always be associated with animal prints (leopard, zebra, and pony skin), sable tails, and fringe trim (eat your heart out Roberto Cavalli!).
Her latest collection, for fall 2005, with its interesting mix of Victorian, Russian, and Chinese influences, is a timely and wonderful progression of what has come before and an evolution of her philosophy and aesthetic. While there are a variety of furs (including fur vests and fur capelets), once again, it is all about fur items, fur accessories (the vintage inspired bag collection is fantastic). And this time, the news, as she puts it, is in the “soft jewelry” (skinny velvet scarves with intricate beading, beaded velvet or sheared mink collars, and of course, THE BELT (the accessory of the season). Hers are statement-making: very wide (3 inches), beaded, embroidered, and often brocaded, they are perfect over a fur jacket, fur coat, evening dress, or anything at all.
What also stood out are her non fur items. I was drawn to the patchwork brocade short sleeved jacket and the entire rack of ‘lingerie’ inspired pieces (robes, kimonos and caftans done in satin and burnout velvet, many with embroidery) that can be worn at home or worn out. By the way, Adrienne’s jewel trimmed silk linen caftan tops for spring (which are being sold in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus) are some of the best around!
Posted by Marilyn Kirschner
This is what women live for… fur, animal prints and bling. NO ONE does the trend du jour bettter than A.L. Fur for the home, bring it on…can you say, “Land for the free and Home of the luxe?”
I’m certainly far from a rabid, paint-flinging, anti-fur activist, but come on… If these accessories (and they are beautiful) are made from real fur, it would seem a bit excesive to me. I don’t think that fur with so many prints or patterns needs to be real.