Canada's recent Fur Month promotional blitz brought a wealth of response in Canadian television, newspaper, magazine and radio outlets (see pages 2-3). The message: fur sales are up; the fur industry is part of an ancient way of life for native North Americans; and, of course, that fur fashions are hot. The Fur Council of Canada's 1995/96 Runway Report outlined nine of the season's most prominent fashion trends among Canadian fur fashions:

New Look, the sculptured look of fitted fur, flat layers, body conscious designs;

Newest Color -- White, natural, impeccable, glamorous. A statement of luxury. In mink, sheared beaver;

Fringes, in strips, boucles, ruffles and tiers;

Class Act, classic is back, simple lines, classic cut, natural furs;

What's Back, "Yoga, white nail polish... Furs... the heavier the better." -- W magazine, August 1995;

Look for the Motif;

A Suite of Suits;

The Knits, soft lines, sinuous and flowing, woven and knitted furs are appearing as non-traditional evening gowns, suits and capes which incorporate sheared beaver, mink and muskrat;

Recycled Fur, combined with recycled leather and cotton in bags and hats for the new age consumer.

The following photos are some of those the Fur Council used to illustrate the previous trends.

We welcome your comments to the Editor.