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Almost as a backlash to last year's preponderance of bright colors, outerwear for next season will focus on subdued shades and elegant neutrals.
Vendors of high-end furs as well as moderately priced fabric coats say earthy shades of beige and brown will be a reliable staple, with innovation coming from textures, accents and accessories or modern shapes. There will continue to be a nod to retro, either with the return of the bolero or in vintage-inspired buttons. Throughout, the emphasis will be on luxurious looks at every conceivable wholesale price point - from $20 to $20,000.
NATURAL COLOR
Sandy shades of gold and beige underscore a return to subdued hues for fall 2007, said Chris Gliagias, president and owner of New York-based Gliagias Furs. And furs should be so fine, he said, they almost look like a plush fabric.
"The biggest item for us will be sheared mink," said Gliagias. "The coats are not very fancy, and are more classic, but the main appeal will be the sheared designs." He said shades of beige, gold and whisky will be punched up with accents of cognac and pink. He uses furs like fox and sable, with an average wholesale price for the coats of $2,000.
"Pinks and purples and other crazy colors are definitely showing a down trend," said Amanda van Rooyen, director of sales and merchandising for Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs, which is based in Covington, Ky., and specializes in fake fur coats with a wholesale price of $99 to $299.
Andy Vaios, director of operations for Kaitery Furs in New York, agreed that the high-intensity colors of previous seasons in outerwear now look pass.
"They have passed their peak," he said. "Everybody wants something new, and is going more toward neutrals and naturals." Producing under two lines - Dena Products and...