The Wumpus
Who: Yasmine
What: Black faux fur coat
History of faux fur
In a 1929 Vogue article on fur the writer states "This article is not for you if you are feeling economical or momentarily poor." The article goes on to advise never to scrimp on fur, as the fur you wear will reveal to everyone "the kind of woman you are and the kind of life you lead."
From 1919 t0 1928 United States government imposed a ten percent tariff on real fur, leading to an increase in popularity of faux fur. Some manufacturers had so many orders that they were forced to shut down temporarily. The New York Times published a humour article telling the story of a fake fur manufacturer who created a coat based on an imaginary animal called the "Wumpus". He then launched a national advertising campaign to teach the public the origins of the Wumpus.
In the 60s animal rights campaigning meant more and more people were choosing faux fur over real, not so much to save money but for the conservation of animals in the wild.
This blog post referenced a Smithsonian mag article. Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-faux-fur-180953984/#164SBGz79CZyqwBc.99
Story behind the coat
Written by Yasmine
This faux fur coat belonged to my Tayta Siham when she was alive. Whenever I went to her house I would always wander upstairs into this 70s wonderland and marvel at all the gorgeous clothes and décor. Among them was this beautiful black fur coat. I would always want to try it on even though it was way too big for me. It made me feel like I was cuddling a big teddy bear, which was so comforting. One day my Tayta decided to pass it down to my mother who then passed it down to me when I was in my early 20s. It is one piece of clothing I will always treasure, it transports me back to a simpler time where anything was possible. I hope that anyone who gets to wear this beautiful jacket, feels the same way I did as a child. Magical.
Yasmine is also an awesome jewellery designer. Check out her goodies on instagram: @winterberryboutique
Cotton and Woolley xx
Illustration by Yasmine's sister, Amira Hajar
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