fashion n trends

As designer ready-to-wear collections for this Spring hit the runways, it would seem that fur fashion is most definitely here to stay.

Fur has proved its versatility through all weathers as the temperatures have risen, affirming the fact that fur's revival over last Autumn/Winter was not to be confined only to the cooler months. Designers such as Georgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta have been waiting to show off their latest creations, expressing their love for fur in original, creative pieces such as shorts and skirts.

Coats have been given a revival too, with the lightweight offerings in tailored, short looks paired with thigh-high vests and neutral toned jackets from J. Mendal, alongside Rick Owens' classy, signature jet black pieces.

From Dennis Basso came 60s inspired a-line capes with cap sleeves, given a contemporary twist, and sultry designs such as his cut out and see-through swing jackets embellished with gorgeous snug collars which accentuate the silhouette. Known for their masterful manipulation of fur, Fendi had to offer some gorgeous boleros. From Dries Van Noten on the other hand came bright, colourful stoles.

Helen Yarmak's flirty designs used the attention grabbing bold primary hues of royal blue and canary yellow alongside strong shades of black and white cut in pure rock star mode while Oscar de la Renta brought a vintage feel back with a selection of opulent lines, trims, stoles and jackets. The stark whites, soothing browns and slinky blacks in off the shoulder and wide collar designs wouldn't have looked out of place in the Hollywood glamour set of the 1950's.

Prada really caught some attention with their bright colours and daring stripes, adorning beautiful fox fur stoles. Vibrant blues, greens, pinks, teals and oranges - set to be this season's signature colour - are matched with thick black stripes. Pop sensation Rihanna has endorsed the look, and features such stylings in her music video "S & M" - and its popularity has also been helped by famous ad campaigns and an endorsement by famous designer Marc Jacobs.

From celebrity wearers to celebrity designers, The Row is a label fronted by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Already making a stir with the level of fur used in their collections this dynamic twin duo have carved their own niche in the fashion world with their sophisticated and classy sharp tailored pieces that focussed on trims, fur hats and animal prints during New York's fashion week, with menswear and accessories promised for future lines.

It seems that despite the weather warming up, the fashion world's love for fur certainly hasn't cooled off.