Vintage mink question - YouLookFab Forum

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Vintage mink question

shiny

Veteran

I hope not to start a controversy here, but I'm totally fine if this thread dissolves into one, as I respect everyone's opinion and beliefs on this topic. So do not refrain - I welcome all comments and will not take any offense.

We've been clearing out my in-law's house, and had the estate sale recently. Everyone went through first to take what sentimental items they wanted. I took home MIL's 50 year old mink stole. Initially it was in the sale pile and when someone inquired how much, something came over me and I grabbed it and said "it's not for sale"....

I don't intend to keep the mink stole permanently for myself, eventually it should go to a granddaughter once they are old enough, but for now it's with me. It is only in fair condition and needs some TLC. It was kept in an non-airconditioned closet for decades, and has some ripped seams. Otherwise, it does not look all that bad - no moth holes, no patchy parts, etc. Lining is in good shape. I think it can be reconditioned, or whatever they call it. And that's my question....

Where do I send it to get it repaired? I know very little about this topic. I can't begin to guess what it might cost, but to my eye I think it is worth it, perhaps to wear it sometimes myself but mostly to preserve it for the next generation. I just don't know where to begin.

As to the potential controversy part, my personal stance is that I would not buy a brand new mink, but I think it's a shame that a vintage mink isn't restored, babied, worn and enjoyed. It just seems like such a shame to toss it in the dumpster.

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

greycat6

Veteran

Hi Shiny,

I have a similar situation but my coat came from a great aunt and is full length black lambs wool with bracelet sleeves. It is in similar condition to yours with some ripped seams and lining. Otherwise, it is lovely. I remember my very regal and somewhat snooty great aunt wearing it and looking like a queen.....or maybe the evil witch! Either way, it is a stunning piece with great sentimental value.

Back to the question at hand, the Neiman Marcus nearest to me does a fur refurbishment event every year. When I learned about the event, it had just ended but the sales associate looked at my coat and said it was something that could be repaired. He could not give me a price estimate.

After a quick internet search, I found several furrier repair services on line. Perhaps there is something near you as well?

If you do get it repaired, I would be interested in hearing about the process.

Good luck.

K. Period.

Veteran

Agreed that furriers can sometimes repair items. I actually had a jacket converted to a vest to get a few more years wear out of it. However, these things have a limited life and it is very possible that it will only be around for a bit longer, so check with a furrier, but also wear it and enjoy it now!

crutcher

Veteran

Great post...I have my mother's mink stole and am at a lost as to what to do with it...NM furrier event might be a possibility...I am interested inother's chiming in...(Her stole is in absolutely excellent condition...looks like it just arrived from the store...)

Claudia

Veteran

Hi Shiny, I posted a similar question a few years back, "What Are Your Thoughts On Inherited Vintage Fur Coats," and thought you might be interested in the discussion: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-fur-coats

chadya

Veteran

Is there a furrier in your area? They should be able to do something with the coat, restyling it for you. it does need to be stored correctly if not being worn.
I think it is nice you are keeping it for your kids

Joyce B

Veteran

It's great that you rescued that mink coat.
My grandmother had a beautiful fur coat that was in perfect condition and I did not keep it because I don't want go wear fur. Now I am sorry I did not keep it although I would probably not have worn it.

carter

Veteran

Macy's will also to a clean/restore on fur. I'm not sure if it's seasonal or not. I know you can take it in in the Spring for cleaning and storing over the Summer. I would think they would have just the cleaning/restoring service in the Fall as well.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

A friend of mine gave me glowing recommendations for a fur salon here in Atlanta - she has several inherited fur coats that wears in the winter, and has been going to this place for a couple of years. I am planning to take my vintage pieces there in another week or so, to see how much it would cost to clean and store them. I can ask if they have any sort of online service.

I cannot imagine buying a brand-new fur coat, but I am with you - this is a beautiful vintage fur piece, that was a part of your family's history! If it is repairable, get it repaired, and wear it, and love it, and then hand it down to your granddaughter. I think that, for so many of us, wearing fur is a matter of personal preference and conscience - but my conscience sees nothing wrong with keeping a beautiful vintage/antique piece out of a landfill, and reusing and repurposing it.

Say what you will, I run cold in the winter, and I have yet to find any man-made textile that keeps me warmer than fur.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I feel quite conflicted about this Jennifer to be honest.

Yes the stole is vintage but the wearing of vintage fur does contribute to the demand for new products. Kate Moss wears vintage fur but many women will buy a new coat to replicate the look. However, in a roundabout way the same argument could be applied to faux fur also hence the conflict.

Plus I eat meat and wear leather which makes me acutely aware of my hypocrisy.

I do believe if your conscience allows, you should repair and wear the stole for yourself.

rachylou

Veteran

Gosh, I don't know. I'd ask someone at Neiman's.

Echo

Veteran

With as much delicacy as I can muster regarding the controversy over fur, I will say that the way that mink are dispatched is not significantly more or less cruel than the way cattle are dispatched for slaughter. And while humans may not consume the remainder of the mink carcass, they are often used for pet food or other uses. If a farmer can make additional money, he/she isn't any more interested in wasting the bodies than anyone else is. In other words, in my mind, meat, leather and fur are all different sides of the same coin, and they all involve death equally.

As for the stole, look up furriers in your area. Go talk to them without the stole with you first so you can decide whether or not you trust them or like them enough to have them do the work for you. Then after you have seen and met your options, you can decide where you want to take it.

Like others have said, fur can be restored and conditioned and relined, but much like leather, it does have a limited shelf life. Cold storage helps prolong life, but at some point it may not be worth the restoration. So if I were you I would have it restored and wear it. That is actually better for the piece than hanging unused for years.

Classically Casual

Veteran

My MIL had a mink stole. At some point much later in her life she had it made into an adorable stuffed teddy bear, which we now have. In my mind the life of the minks have at least been honored by the transformation into an object that gives pleasure but not offense. Just my opinion of course.

Zibbets

Veteran

I'd ask a high-end retailer to recommend someone in your area.

I have a couple of my mil's fur collars. I wear and enjoy them and plan to pass them down to the next generation.

Niefern

Personally I don't see why using mink products is any better or worse than using cow/pig/goat/... products. If you have that stole and you like it, repair it and enjoy it.

doubleh

Veteran

I didn't read the other comments yet, but you are in Boston yes? I remember a mom & pop fur and restoration shop in Coolidge Corner. I can't remember the name of it, but it is right there on the inbound side of the street. If it's still there, my guess is that family knows what they're doing. Maybe worth a look?

shiny

Veteran

Classically Casual - my mother had a mink from either my great grandmother, maybe farther back, I don't know. It was in sorry shape though you could tell the mink was once fabulous. She kept it in a trash bag, with intention to use it for a sewing project someday, maybe a teddy bear, maybe doll clothes or a kids' costume or *something.* I think somehow MIL's mink stole is mapping to that childhood memory for me, hence why I took it home.

La Belle - not sure how warm this mink would keep me, as it is just a stole, not a full coat. If I was to wear it, it would be to one of our winter formal events. I could imagine it'd be great to keep me warm inside -- I'd still freeze walking around outside in it, as it really only covers my shoulders!

To be honest, I don't know if I'm brave enough/confident enough to wear mink or even a fake fur. Not sure it's my "look." I like the idea of it and am drawn to the whole glam thing -- despite any negative connotations. But unfortunately furry pieces can quickly overpower and wear me-- instead of the other way around.

It's possible I was drawn up in the emotions of it all... sentimental fool that I am. It's just that one of the last days I spent with MIL before she went into the long-term memory care unit was when I helped her select clothes to take there. All had to be machine washable, nothing of significant value, all totally practical.

bj1111

Veteran

sentimental pieces are so wonderful. william harris in boston is a good one to talk to. you can bring the piece in, talk about options (eg. how much fur will you lose) and get advice / pricing. after the consultation, i suggest you go home and sleep on it. it will cost more than you probably are willing to pay to have it restyled, and if you plan to wear the piece that rarely, you might consider letting it go after you've had a chance to mourn your mother in law.

shiny

Veteran

Bj1111, you win the wisdom award, hands down! That is exactly what I needed to hear, though I didn't realize it until I read your wise & thoughtful words.

But maybe I'll take DD up on her offer to hand-sew the one seam that needs repair, then wear it just once this season to a formal event, in honor of my MIL...

Then let it go.

fathenry

Veteran

I have a few vintage furs, including one knee length black mink coat my grandma handed down to me. I don't wear it a lot but I certainly don't feel guilty about it when I do. I think heirlooms are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed. However, I too have no idea where or how to store it to preserve it?

Marley

Veteran

I know nothing about the restoration of vintage furs - but, unfortunately I have very vivid memories of a mink farm that was right on the edge of town where I grew up. I honestly still have nightmares about it sometimes!

fathenry

Veteran

Marley, that is awful. I can't imagine... I don't condone buying new fur now, I just feel like it's a shame not to wear a gift handed down from my grandma. Bumping this up in case anyone else knows about fur care and storage.

crutcher

Veteran

I am so interested in having my precious Mom's fur stole made into a teddy bear...I hold such wonderful memories of her dressed up and wearing the fur...I would treasure this type of momento...
Does anyone have any information as to where I could have my stole reconstructed?...

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE the teddy bear idea! The animal shelter idea is a great idea as well! If your fur is in decent condition, you might consider selling it on eBay, and donating the money to an animal shelter or nature conservancy.

Another idea is to donate fur to your local community theatre or ballet company. I repurposed my vintage 1950's fox fur stole, to trim a woman's red velvet and satin bathrobe I had sitting in the closet- and we wound up with a very kingly-looking Red King - all for the cost of a roll of ribbon trim! Around $8, as I recall. He certainly looked kingly! Performing arts groups hemorrhage money trying to bring a production to the stage, and are always looking for things that will look gorgeous under stage lights, but cost as little as possible.