Is sable really the bees' knees??

[elbas3175]

I am in the fortunate position of being able to contemplate acquiring a sable coat without bankrupting myself. This post is really seeking people's views on sable - I know you guys are likely to be more impartial than any furrier! I know it's the most expensive fur out there, and I know it generally looks a million dollars. My question is whether it is actually overhyped....

 

I have to ask the question because I am finding it very difficult to come by, coming from England. I am in Berlin at the moment and have found 3 furriers with sable coats. I have tried the coats on and, to be honest, I'm not convinced it's worth the money. I appreciate this may be deemed a sacrilegious thing to say! I'm actually disappointed, because I wanted to be overwhelmed by sable.

 

Just to explain my proclivities - I know everyone's taste is different: my favourite fur is blue fox. I love it's density and it's softness. Silver fox is beautiful to look at, but I don't like it to the touch. Not sure why - hairs too long? Also can't stand mink and can't understand why it's the best-selling fur - it almost feels prickly to me. Chinchilla is another favourite, but my dollar goes further with blue fox than chinchilla!

 

So with the sable coats I tried, I was hoping it would be a sort of cross between blue fox and chinchilla. Longer-haired than mink and chinchilla, but as soft and dense as blue fox. Some of the sable almost felt straggly - soft, I guess, but maybe to the extent of offering no sensation.

 

But one or two did feel very plush, very luxurious - are there different levels of quality within sable? I know Barguzin is supposed to be a higher quality.

 

Part of the problem is that, having overcome the embarrassment of asking to try on a sable coat, one doesn't get much time to feel the fur. The furriers have this remarkable gift for looking down their noses at you, presumably not believing my intent, or thinking I must be mad.

 

Based on my experiences over the last couple of days, it seems custom-ordering over the internet may be a risky business. Potentially every sable coat could feel different, so I would be better off seeing a garment before buying.

 

Any views or experiences most welcome!

[Mr Barguzin]

May as well stick out my neck, but here goes.

 

The one full length sable coat I've had the pleasure of wearing/trying on in a furrier's was a St Johns sable, ie from Canada and as some will tell you, that isn't really sable. Have also tried on a (wait for it folks) sabelle jacket *grin* Ah the joys of fur lovers and the english language.

 

Now, firstly... these furs were soft and yeah I mean soft. Was in the coat for over 20 mins... and reluctantly removed it when got a glare from the shop assistant. (well, I was sorta looking at a lady trying on a silver fox coat.... if ya gets what I mean)

 

As for the furs that you have tried on, they could have been summer pelts or they could have been off cuts/pieces..... it is hard to say unless we can see them. I do know I bought a sable hat and it was NOT what I expected, in that it was soft and yet coarse at the same time. This was definitely made from offcuts.

 

Final word: If in doubt, don't waste your money. Better a decent blue fox coat than a sable you are not at all happy with.

[elbas3175]

Thanks for the input, Mr B! Much appreciated.

 

So is all Canadian sable this St Johns sable, or is that a specific sub-section of Canadian sable?

 

And what on earth is sabelle? Is this something new, or are you just playing with language and calling it sabelle because it was just a jacket?

 

I don't think the coats I tried were made from off cuts. The only furriers in Berlin to hold sable are the top end ones - though I guess that doesn't necessarily guarantee quality raw materials! Perish the thought that they would try to rip off customers.

 

I think I'm going to have to make a trip to Montreal and/or New York to see a broader range of sable coats. The prices will be more realistic over there, too.

[AKcoyote]

What is frequently labeled as sable or Canadian Sable in North America is actually Canadian Martin - another member of the weasel family.

 

Personally I think that when shopping for a fur, one needs to concentrate on what type of fur you like and and is appropriate for the intended use rather than the marketing hype from fur breeder/trapper associations.

[Mr Barguzin]

Sabelle is what the saleswoman called it, so I am thinking then and now that it was something like sable, that is from the same family, but am not too sure which.

 

The St John's Sable .... well, there was a little sign in the salon showing that the furrier had been awarded the prize for best "St John's sable coat" in some Aussie design show.

 

Until I have worn a "real" sable, well, shall just have to imagine. However, I agree with your comment about Mink. However, as has been pointed out to me by others, I have yet to be introduced to a decent mink, and that may well be the case.

 

Oh and as with everything..... Caveat Emptor. Especiallt when dealing with something as expensive as a decent sable can be.

[Guest]

The comments about Mink are relatively true ... however, with a very fine Mink it can be deliciously soft in its own way.

 

I have a real (but old) real Sable and even with its age it is sooooooooooo super.

 

I also have several Stone Marten (German Sable to some) and it is very fine indeed. Much finer than Mink though from the same family.

 

Fitch is another weasel which is, in my mind, generally superior to 'Mink'.

 

I too wish to have a genuine new SABLE though.

 

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