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Persian lamb fur coats are made from lamb fur, also known as broadtail. The fur is glossy and resembles crushed velvet. The term Persian lamb comes from the west Asian countries where specific lamb breeds were first used for clothing. The coats were popular from the early 20th century through to the 1970s. They are characterised by their low volume, hair sheen, crisp lines and wavy or moiree look. The tanning process has evolved over time, making the coats softer and more lightweight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fur type | Persian lamb fur is glossy and looks similar to crushed velvet. |
| Sheep breed | Karakul |
| Sheep origin | South West Africa |
| Fur origin | West Asian countries |
| Fur quality | The shortest the hair and the wavier the texture, the higher the quality. |
| Weight | Used to be heavy, but now are more lightweight. |
| Colour | Black is the most popular, followed by brown and grey. |
| Style | Low volume, hair sheen, crisp lines, and a wavy or "moiree" look. |
| Durability | Lasts for ages and can be remodelled by a furrier. |
| Design | Combined with mink, fox, chinchilla or sable collars and/or cuffs. |
| Texture | Slightly harder "skin" that needs to be broken in. |
What You'll Learn
The tanning process
One crucial factor that determines the quality and price of Persian lamb fur is the look of the fur. Skins from unborn lambs have a glossy, flat, and wavy "moiree" pattern that is highly prized by haute couture designers. This type of fur is known as Broadtail and is the most valued type of lamb fur. On the other hand, skins from lambs aged 1-10 days start to grow longer and curlier hair, resulting in a different texture.
The evolution of the tanning process has played a crucial role in improving the overall quality of Persian lamb fur coats. The latest tanning techniques have allowed for the creation of softer, more lightweight coats that retain the elegant and aristocratic appeal of Persian lamb fur.
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The origin of the lambs
European settlers brought special sheep to Namibia for their skins, and today, the skins are renowned worldwide for their high-quality standards. The Karakul sheep produce a mixture of coarse and fine fibres, ranging from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) in length, and the colour varies from black to various shades of brown.
Persian lamb fur is typically sourced from recently born or unborn lambs. The fur from unborn lambs is highly valued and sought after by haute couture designers. The fur has a glossy, flat, wavy "moiree" look. Skins from lambs aged 1-10 days start to grow hair that tends to be longer and curlier.
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The types of fur sections used
Persian lamb fur coats are characterised by low volume, hair sheen, crisp lines, and a wavy or "moiree" look. The fur is short and wavy in texture, and the shorter the hair and the wavier the texture, the higher the quality.
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The weight of the coats
The weight of Persian lamb fur coats has changed over time. Coats made from Persian lamb fur used to be extremely heavy, but advancements in the tanning process have resulted in a significant reduction in weight. Today, these coats weigh only slightly more than the average mink fur coat.
The weight of a Persian lamb fur coat is influenced by the type of fur skin used. The fur skins from unborn lambs, known as "broadtail," are considered the highest-valued type of lamb fur. These skins have a glossy, flat, and wavy "moiree" look that is highly prized by haute couture designers. On the other hand, skins from lambs aged 1-10 days start to grow longer and curlier hair, resembling the appearance of grown lambs.
The method of construction also affects the weight of the coat. Persian lamb fur coats made from paws are the most valued and have a glossy look and wavy pattern. Coats made from the dorsal area are more casual and tend to be lighter in weight.
In addition, the weight of the coat can be influenced by the addition of other furs. For example, Persian lamb fur coats are sometimes combined with mink, fox, chinchilla, or sable collars and cuffs, which can increase the overall weight of the garment.
Overall, while Persian lamb fur coats used to be heavy, modern tanning techniques have reduced their weight. The specific weight of a coat will depend on the type of fur skin used, the construction method, and the inclusion of other types of fur.
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The colour of the coats
Persian lamb fur coats are available in a wide variety of colours. The most popular colour is black, with shades of brown and grey also being common. In the past, colouring techniques in the fur industry were limited, but advancements in recent years have led to a broader range of options to suit diverse tastes.
Some coats may also feature natural white spots or dyed red fur, adding unique patterns and designs to the overall appearance.
Additionally, the colour and texture of the fur can impact the price of the coat. Skins from unborn lambs or those aged 1-10 days tend to have a glossy, flat, and wavy "moiree" pattern that is highly prized in haute couture. This type of fur is often used in formal and dressy garments. On the other hand, skins from older lambs may have longer and curlier hair, resulting in a sportier and more casual look.
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Frequently asked questions
A Persian lamb coat is a coat made from lamb fur, also known as broadtail. The fur is glossy and looks similar to crushed velvet.
Persian lamb coats were very popular in the early 20th century through the 1970s.
Persian lamb fur is the name used in the west to describe the fur skins of recently born or unborn lambs.
The making of Persian lamb coats is an art that is demanding and has its roots in Greece, where the majority of them are made by artisans. The paws or the dorsal area of the lamb is used. The paws are the most valued part of the lamb skin as they have a glossy look and wavy pattern. The dorsal area is more sporty and ideal for casual wear.
