Wondering which fur to flaunt right now? It's astrakhan. Also known as curly or Persian lamb, or broadtail it is currently the most deluxe, the most unique fur that you can find. The only problem? Try finding it!

Ever since Fall 2005 collections, where astrakhan was shown everywhere and on everything from shoes, to handbags, hats and even suit it has been a runaway sellout in most boutiques and fur salons. The good news is that there are still astrakhan pieces to be found even this late in the shopping season. But don't expect any sales on it, at least not yet.

The key to buying an astrakhan fur piece is to first understand something about the texture.

Astrakhan is a precious material from Russia and has always indicated nobility and refinement. It is most often made to wear directly ON the skin. You can imagine how soft this is then: think a cross between fur and cashmere. It is a symbol of luxury more than warmth and in that way is treated like a fabric indistinguishable from velvet or tweed. So the new approach to fur is to use astrakhan almost like cashmere and for clothes as well as coats. (No one, so far, is using it for undergarments!)

So for example, Dolce and Gabbana who in the past experimented with the astrakhan skirt have gone ballistic - this season they made an astrakhan SUIT! The suit is mid thigh length skirt, with a long Mao collared jacket trimmed in crocodile with diamante buckles! If you think that is extreme, Dolce and Gabbana also wrapped astrakhan around crocodile boots and some handbags. But let's get back to the suit: a woman I know has one and she said it’t very tactile and feels softer than velvet on your skin. While Astrakhan is less bulky than a fur coat, she said that it still feels very cumbersome and warm, like wearing a heavy wool sweater. The best advice if you buy the suit: wear the jacket and the skirt separately unless it’s absolutely freezing out, otherwise, worn together you will be too hot.

Some other astrakhan finds are at Ferragamo, check out their black evening frock in silky astrakhan with a matching scarf. They have coats and scarves and bags in astrakhan for men and women. For men, it feels like a return to the age of elegance (or the beautiful way Italian men dress everyday!)

Call around to Fendi and see if you can still buy the burgundy tie-front astrakhan jacket with a yellow striped chinchilla collar. As a last resort, I did check with Bloomingdales fur salon in Manhattan and the good news is there are (at time of press) several astrakhan fur coats left in every length, although it is the Maxmillian label. Still, you could do a lot worse and think: you'll be able to wear a lightweight Astrakhan coat as soon as tomorrow if you like! (The full length sells for about $8000)

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