Fur flies - off the shelves

Gone are the days when wearing fur was deemed politically incorrect - at least judging from the response to the three-day Hong Kong International Fur and Fashion Fair, which ended yesterday.

An emphasis on youthful fur fashions, such as these worn by models, resulted in a 10 per cent increase in the number of trade visitors.

Ulrik Kirchheiner, president of Saga Furs of Scandinavia, said there had been a 300 per cent increase in the Hong Kong and China fur market in the past six years.

'Women want to look precious, and mink and fox are always the most suitable fabrics for that,' he said. 'Fifty-five per cent of retail sales last year were in mink.'