Today's wacky fashion question:

[cupcake_goth]

Where would I take a vintage fur to be repaired and cleaned? I now have a vintage mink capelet from my grandmother, and one side has pretty much come apart. It's not that the seams have unraveled, it's that the fur tore (?) along those seams.

I would really like to get the capelet restored to a wearable condition. (Yes, I would wear it, because it's a vintage piece from my grandma, who is an amazing woman.) I just have no idea where I should take it.

EDITED: After handling it more, I don't think the capelet can be restored to a wearable condition. The pelts are tearing much too easily. I think I need to look into having the caplet used as the base materials to create something else. Whatever I end up having made from it, I need to have part of the lining used, too: the part that has my grandmother's name embroidered on it.

Comments

[domestinatrix.livejournal.com]

Many dry cleaners are either equipped to clean furs, or can send pieces out to someplace that is.

If you can find a reputable furrier (i'm not sure where one would be around here), they should be able to restore/reline in back into wearable condition for you. I'm no expert, but i believe that as long as the fur itself is alright, there are ways to compensate for the leather/skin side drying out.

[bebemochi.livejournal.com]

I concur, that's what I've heard. A reputable furrier can go amazing repairs as well as telling you how to preserve fur. I think it is completely commendable that you wear the fur your grandmother owned. If nothing else, you should take the capelet to someone who can tell you how to salvage the garment.

[torreybird.livejournal.com]

I am also concurring - plus advising that you call the Tandy leather store in Shoreline (on Aurora). The folks there are extremely knowledgeable and may know someone reputable to help.