It's never really gone away in the past 10 years, since designers began to recognize more casual consumer lifestyles. In fact, this might be a good time for the fur industry to reflect on its history; casual furs was an oxymoron until big-name American designers -- known throughout the world for their sportswear -- began to take a hand to fur. Since then, consumer magazines have been slow to recognize this peculiar fashion. In the days of grunge, when furriers responded by cranking out fur-lined nylon parkas, editors wouldn't have dreamed of doing stories on fur sportswear. And yet now, in the midst of a renewed demand for luxury, sporty furs and furs that aren't even outerwear are the pinnacle of casual chic.