In the rich tapestry of fashion where tradition and innovation intertwine, real fur and leather have played pivotal roles for millennia. However, with a rising tide of environmental consciousness sweeping through society, there's been a concerted effort by various sectors to phase out the use of these materials. Discerning consumers, thirsty for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, have prompted even luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Versace to heed the call, ceasing fur production and fervently exploring alternative materials. As this awareness takes root, other materials, such as angora, mohair, and exotic leather, also find themselves gradually being edged out of the fashion lexicon, making room for the new and the sustainable.

Best Leather & Fur

Best Leather & Fur, a beacon in the global leather and fur fashion landscape since 1996, unfailingly presents the latest trends to its devoted clientele. Nestled in numerous concept stores, it lavishes fashion aficionados with a bevy of authentic leather and fur products. The brand's designs, characterized by audacious geometric shapes and indulgent patent leather amalgamations, have consistently captivated onlookers at the showcase level.

Levinson Leather & Fur

An undisputed leader in the domain of fur and leather apparel in Istanbul, Levinson Leather & Fur prides itself on crafting dynamic designs that resonate with the city’s vibrant fashion scene. The brand has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the industry, with every piece serving as a testament to its commitment to quality and style. Produced within the bustling, creative confines of Istanbul, every Levinson product is a masterpiece in its own right. The brand offers the unique service of designing and manufacturing personalized fur pieces, available for delivery within just two days, thanks to its centralized production facility. The well-trained staff at Levinson deftly weave together artistry and technical skill to craft both original and imitation fur products. Through the meticulous selection of raw materials and employing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, they breathe life into unparalleled fur and leather creations, each bearing the hallmark of Levinson’s unique aesthetic and uncompromising quality standards.

Derimod Fur & Leather

Affordable Sophistication, Amongst the roster of names celebrated for their exquisite fur and leather offerings, Derimod stands out as an accessible luxury. The brand's forte lies in seamlessly blending modern sophistication with playful, sport-inspired vibrancy, presenting a uniquely stylish aesthetic available at price points that invite a broader audience.

Adamo Fur & Leather 

Pioneering Luxury Since 1989, Adamo has been an iconic presence in the fur and leather industry since 1989, epitomizing the allure of luxury and affluence for its discerning clientele. With a commitment to superior quality, the brand offers a lifetime care guarantee certificate for its high-tech crafted furs. Adamo’s illustrious product range, from trendsetting apparel to exquisite accessories including coveted furs and bags, is globally recognized and revered.

Emelda Leather & Fur

A Legacy of Innovation, Founded in 1991, Emelda has cemented itself as a forefront runner and innovator in the leather industry. Renowned for its dedication to quality and pioneering designs, Emelda's leather apparel division has made significant inroads in major global markets, including Europe, Canada, the US, Russia, and China, while also maintaining a strong presence in its home turf of Turkey. With a network of nine equity capital stores, eight in Turkey and one in Russia, and headquartered in Zeytinburnu, Emelda prioritizes customer satisfaction through its sales policies.

Bilgins Leather & Fur

Nature’s Finest, Crafted for You, Bilgins takes pride in working with leather and fur - nature’s premier and most luxurious clothing materials. Leveraging advanced sewing technologies and selecting only top-tier leather, fur, and accessories, Bilgins meticulously crafts products that resonate with quality and style. With a dedicated team of over 500 employees, the brand not only produces for notable names globally but also successfully markets its own line, “Bilgin's Luxury”, reaching audiences from Russia and Ukraine to the USA, England, South Korea, and the Arabian Peninsula. Its luxury segment products, featuring premium fur, crocodile, python, chinchilla, and leather, are available at two of its stores located in Istanbul's Zeytinburnu, ready to cater to the tastes of those who seek the finer things in life.

Craftsmanship in Every Thread: Established in 1990 in the vibrant district of Zeytinburnu, Kırcılar Leather & Fur has grown to become a distinguished name in Turkish fur and leather design and fashion. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Kırcılar expanded its presence with Leather Park and Leatherium in Kuşadası, as well as Alice stores located in Antalya, Kemer, Side, Göynük, Alanya (all opened in 2006), and further extended its global footprint with locations in Marmaris and Dubai in 2014.

Punto Fur & Leather

Embarking on its journey in 1994, Punto Fur & Leather initially set its sights on manufacturing ready-to-wear clothing, leather, and fur garments, and accessories. With an unwavering focus on realizing its vision of success and luxury, Punto has carved out a significant niche in the realm of upscale clothing. By offering an expansive array of leather and fur products, it has successfully cultivated a robust and loyal customer base.

Shaky Leather & Fur

Globally Desired, Uniquely Designed, Incepted in 1989 with equity capital, Shaky Leather & Fur presents a curated collection of uniquely designed leather and fur products, meticulously crafted by its dedicated team stationed at the Istanbul Zeytinburnu store. Recognized for their unparalleled quality, Shaky’s offerings, crafted from premium materials like fox, mink, and crocodile skins, have garnered international demand. With exports reaching the shores of North America, European nations including Germany, France, and the UK, as well as Asian countries like Russia, Ukraine, Gulf nations, South Korea, and Japan, Shaky Leather & Fur assures a distinct price advantage for patrons visiting their Istanbul store compared to prices in their home countries. For discerning customers in Istanbul, a visit to Shaky Leather & Fur promises not just a product, but a globally coveted piece of artistry.

Fur Pricing Dynamics in Istanbul

Istanbul’s fur market boasts a wide price range, with costs fluctuating based on the animal source and quality of the fur, as well as the specific model and brand. Typically, the price of genuine fur items falls between $1,500 and $8,000, although some luxury pieces can command even higher prices.

Discerning Genuine Fur from Faux

Determining whether a fur piece is genuine or synthetic can be tricky. 

Brand Labels: Look for labels on the garment, as they often provide vital information regarding the composition of the item. However, it’s crucial to verify the label's authenticity, as sometimes garments made primarily from other materials might still contain real fur components. Be aware that some brands, like Zara, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aéropostale, Marks & Spencer, Gap, and H&M, reportedly use only synthetic fur, while others might offer both genuine and faux fur products.

Pricing Clues: Generally, real fur tends to be pricier than faux alternatives. However, items featuring small fur accents might be priced lower, making it essential to not solely rely on price as an indicator of authenticity.

The Touch Test: Feeling the fur can offer valuable insights. Genuine fur typically feels soft, smooth, and sleek due to processing, with a natural, flowing movement reminiscent of petting a cat. In contrast, faux fur may feel synthetic and can become sticky in humid conditions, often resembling the texture of plush toys.

Burn Test: Conduct this test cautiously by burning a few fur fibers. Genuine fur will emit a smell akin to burnt hair, while faux fur will release a scent of melting plastic and form hard, plastic-like residue. Furs that smell like burning paper and leave a light, fluffy gray ash might also be synthetic, possibly made from cotton, linen, or rayon.

Needle Test: Try inserting a needle through the fur and its lining. If it glides through easily, it might be faux fur with an artificial base. If there’s resistance, it’s likely genuine fur attached to a leather lining.

Backing Examination: Inspect the backing of the fur by looking at the seam or making a small incision. Genuine fur usually has a leather backing, while faux fur is typically attached to a woven or fabric backing.

Deciphering between real and faux fur can be complicated without access to the aforementioned tests. Whether you’re a fur enthusiast or oppose wearing it, understanding these nuances is crucial to making informed purchasing decisions.