A trendy fake leather rider's jacket. (C)RESP-EC SHOP

Enlarge photo

A fur-bordered coat. (C)RESP-EC SHOP

Enlarge photo

Fashion items incorporating leather and fur, starting with leather rider jackets, but also including fur-trimmed down jackets, mod coats, and sheepskin boots, are dominating Japan's fashion scene this winter. While these fabrics are appreciated year in, year out for their protection against the cold and their cozy appearance, this year the merits of faux fur, faux suede, and man-made hides and leather products are attracting particular attention.

"New" Leather and FurA growing trend in Japan in recent months has been fashions from the 1980s. Punk fashion styles are particularly popular, with the key item being the rider jacket. Recently, synthetic leather products in the ¥5000 (about $56 at ¥90 to the dollar) range have been proliferating, making it easy for fashion followers to enjoy the latest looks. While at one time many consumers had no choice but to purchase synthetic leather garments because real leather was too expensive, the situation nowadays is rather different. Besides being light and easy to care for, synthetic leathers are gaining ground as the "new leather" thanks to their advantage in terms of animal protection, as well as their affordability.

Outerwear items with fur-rimmed hoods are enjoying popularity alongside the rider jacket. The selection of casual outerwear items incorporating fur accents, including down jackets, mod coats, and parkas, is increasing. At the same time, fur is being used on more sophisticated outerwear pieces, such as wool coats and capes that feature fur embellishing on the collar or sleeves. The increase in acrylic-fiber furs has made fur fashions more accessible for young Japanese. Fake fur is now being utilized in a wide range of casual and formal fashions.

Even Better Than the Real ThingLeather and fur are popular choices not only for clothing but also for accessories. Knee-high boots and bags made with leather, as well as scarves, corsages and hats accented with fur are catching people's eyes. There is a tendency to think of fur accessories as only for girls, but a growing number of guys are sporting fur vests and jackets. Also, more casual versions of the popular sheepskin boot made from fake sheepskin are also making an appearance.

A warm fur vest.

Enlarge photo

More and more items are being made of faux leather and faux fur since they are well made and look so sophisticated that it is difficult to tell at first glance that it's fake. Japanese shoppers also appreciate their other merits: they're easy to care for even if water gets on them, and they offer consistent quality at an affordable price. They also give designers the freedom to use colors, prints and shapes that could not be achieved with real leather or fur. New leather and fur fashions that everyone can enjoy are set to spread further across Japan's fashion landscape. (January 2010)