Everything Old Is New Again, And That Includes Your Grandma’s Fur
It’s true - there aren’t many old-school mom-and-pop shops left, but NYC’s Cowit Furs has managed to survive more than 75 years in the fur matching business. If you haven’t heard of the art and business of fur matching, the three generations of Cowits say it’s simple, they take old furs and make them look new. But in the last year, their business has been all about remodeling – taking grandma’s fur and cutting and shaping it into new fashionable styles, including fur vests, stoles, and hats.
Larry Cowit is half the remaining duo, “There used to be close to a hundred fur matchers in the country and now there’s only 1, and that’s us.” Larry’s brother Steve says right now, fur is hot, partly because it’s been so cold. It’s dripping off the collars and cuffs of more and more luxury labels this year than ever before. And you can thank China for it’s rising price, customers there are buying 70% of furs worldwide. Larry says fur is flying off racks in Russia too, “The last two years in both of those countries…demand is out of control. They literally sell out.”
And prices are expected to soar 15-20 percent more this year. The Cowits do sell fur coats too, but lately, with the increase in demand and prices, they’ve had lots of young women come in with old furs, asking them to remodel them. So, the next time you see someone in a fashionable fur vest, that could’ve been made from grandma’s old mink.
While styles have changed, you might wonder whether anti-fur sentiments have too. Larry says he’s hearing less people complaining about fur, and seeing more people buying them. And if someone says they don’t like fur, Larry says, “No problem, but you shouldn’t be telling other people that they can’t wear fur, especially when it’s 5 degrees outside.”
And that’s the story of changing fashions in a store that hasn’t changed its street or its name through three generations.
Written by Debra Alfarone
| Search Blog
|
| Meet the PIX Morning News Team | |
|---|---|
| Sukanya Krishnan Co-Anchor PIX Morning News |
 |
| John Muller Co-Anchor PIX Morning News |
 |
| Craig Treadway Co-Anchor PIX Morning News "Early Edition" |
 |
| Linda Church Weather Anchor PIX Morning News |
 |
|
Jill Nicolini Commutercast Traffic Reporter PIX Morning News |
 |
|
Lisa Mateo Feature Reporter PIX Morning News |
 |
| Dr. Steve Medical Reporter PIX Morning News "Ask Dr. Steve" |
 |
| James Ford Reporter PIX Morning News |
 |
| Tamsen Fadal Totally Tamsen PIX Morning News |
 |
Comments: 7
I just wanted to say how disappointed I am in you report on fur. Your story comes off as a nonchalant promotion of the fur industry. That China and Russia are increasing the market does not make the abuse and torture of animals okay. Sure part of your report is about recycling old furs but it also only gives a one sided opinion of the fur debate which gives every impression of endorsement. The idea that it's not okay to voice an opinion on whether someone can, or should, wear fur, is the same as saying it's not okay to voice an opinion on how we feel about animal abuse.
Really shallow and superficial report Pix11.
When is that auction? The piece is cut off at the end! I think this is a great form of up-cycling, Obviously these furs are already on the market or treasured family heirlooms. Why not have them remodeled for the next generation? So cool.
Hey Kev, Give Debra a break. Because you don't like the story she wrote does not make her shallow or superficial. Would it be right if I told you to go hug a tree? The next time you close your door think about that comment.
Great story
Fur has and always will be an emotional debate
The facts remain that this industry does not use
Endangered species nor does it promote cruelty to animals
Trapping is a necesity to control wild life populations
Natures way of controlling populations is unscientific and more cruel
There are more fur bearing animals in 2011 then 1911
Due to government control licenses and management techniques
And oddly enough the Fur industry which supports and pays for this through auction fees and continued research in trap research.
There is no clear defense to an emotional issue
But fur is warm, beautiful ,and renewable by being able to remodel and reuse dir another 5-10 years
And interestingly enough to me leather is actually a fur
without hair!
Catherine...
Our auctions this Sunday at 1pm at our store at 151 west 29th st between 6th and 7th ave. The inspection is tomorrow from 10am - 5 pm
Catherine...
Our auctions this Sunday at 1pm at our store at 151 west 29th st between 6th and 7th ave. The inspection is tomorrow from 10am - 5 pm
Awesome report! We are experiencing exactly the same trends here in the Midwest. Wolverine Furs is a 4 generation furrier in Michigan serving customers all across the United States and we have never been so busy. People really saw the value in updating and revitalizing their furs this year. We provide all aspects of fur care including on-site cleaning, repairing, monogramming, restyling and purchasing of used fur. We could not keep enough used fur coats in stock and we made many custom ordered items. This past winter was a particularly cold and snowy one nationwide and fur helped make it just a little more bearable.