’Tis the season to be jolly. But there’s nothing particularly jolly about a kitchen appliance. So, if you want to thrill the special someone in your life, or if you’re the special someone in your life and you want to reward yourself for a job well-done and a life well-lived, consider fur. The Fur and Leather Centre, now on Clayton Road, has been wrapping St. Louisans in warmth and style for 85 years. The shop, renowned for its sumptuous selection of alluring coats, jackets and accessories, carries the latest looks in distinctive fur and leather apparel.
“Fur has that built-in ‘OMG’ factor that makes it a high-impact gift,” says owner John Hanlon. “We make it easy for shoppers, carrying everything from drop-dead, full-length statement pieces to everyday jackets, vests, shawls and accessories. Whether you choose sheared mink, chinchilla, fox or raccoon, we offer the best craftsmanship, customer service and quality at every price point.”
Trending now are belted cashmere capes with fox fur trim, the perfect gift for the person who enjoys making a dramatic entrance. Sportier types might prefer a fur vest, which adds a dash of elegance to jeans. Bold colors, herringbone patterns and animal prints remain popular, Hanlon notes, as do accessories such as fur-trimmed gloves, earmuffs, headbands, handbags, throws and pillows. “Accessories work with any budget—and you don’t have to worry about sizing,” he says. “We make gift-giving easy—we’ll even wrap it for you!”
Today’s furs are sophisticated, lightweight and versatile enough to wear every day. “Maybe your grandmother wore her fur to church once a week, but people today are just as likely to throw on a fur jacket to take the kids to school,” Hanlon says.
This most luxurious gift is practical as well, Hanlon adds. “Fur is warm and it lasts a long time if you take proper care of it—and we can care for and repair your furs, as well as store them in our temperature-, humidity- and light-controlled vault,” he says. “When you’re ready for an update, our team of master furriers can restyle your coat or jacket, giving you even more years of wear. We can also recycle your older fur into a knit or combine it with other fabrics, even denim.”
The Fur Centre has long been known for its commitment to community service. “We give back every chance we get,” Hanlon says. The business is involved with numerous charities, contributing auction merchandise and donations to area schools and nonprofits, particularly Gateway to Hope, a nonprofit that helps uninsured or underinsured St. Louisans with breast cancer, and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, a leading-edge hospital that never turns away a child in need.
“Reaching out to people in need is part of being a good neighbor,” Hanlon says. “St. Louis has always been so good to us—and it feels great to return the favor. Giving back is something we believe in—not just during the holidays, but all year long.”
By Tony Di Martino
Photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured: Katie May, John Hanlon and Judy Hicks of the Fur and Leather Centre
[The Fur Centre, located at 7901 Clayton Road, features a stylish selection of coats, jackets and accessories at all prices. For more information, call 314.997.3877 or visit furcentre.com.]