How to Work with Furs, Feathers, and Leather - Tips From Project Runway

Fur (faux or otherwise), feathers and leather look terrific on the runway, but can seem hard-to-wear once they're in the stores. Since these pieces make such a statement, wearing them may bring concerns of looking too flashy or improper. To add to it, concerns about cruelty, along with maintenance, can seem daunting.

Not so, argues Project Runway Season 6 contestant and nascent heartthrob Logan Neitzel. This Washington-based bad boy just premiered a fashion show in NYC with fellow PR star Epperson, and has worked with leather and other naturally-based trims for a long time. In this exclusive eHow interview, Logan clues us in on how to make these lively trimmings shine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint or tools to retouch worn garments
• Access to fur storage facility or services
• Waterproofing and conditioning sprays
• Animal textile jacket
• White shirt
• Jeans

1. 
   Project Runway Season 6 contestant Logan Nietzel

   Wear feathers or fur when you want to convey regal energy and attract the eye through movement. One of the fascinating things about these textiles is that they have a lot of fluidity and one-of-a-kind quirks that make each garment truly fascinating. Logan says, "Movement is very important in fashion and I feel that the fur I ended up choosing for my collection had just enough motion to achieve the look that I wanted."

2. 
   Logan working on a design.

   Look for leather pieces that may be imperfect or flawed somehow. Often, these pieces are just the thing to make a boring garment truly fascinating. Why not add more scratches to a damaged jacket that's marked down, or throw some paint on a suede skirt that has a small spot at the thrift store? The best pieces are the ones with character. In fact, this is what Logan loves most about leather: "Look, smell, touch, and the fact that every hide is different. No one piece is ever the same as the next. Character is what makes clothing interesting."

3. Care for your garments properly in order to extend their lifespan. For fun, that means putting them in a temperature-controlled storage vault during warmer months, and leaving them enough elbow room in your closet when in use. Also, be sure to air out your garments so that the fibers release overwhelming odors from storage.
   
   For leather, simply get your garments treated a few times a year and wear them. If you don't wish to pay for a professional treatment, purchase waterproofing and conditioning sprays at the local shoe repair shop and use on a daily basis.

4. 
   2005 Foxtongue / Creative Commons

   Flaunt what you've got and be a trendsetter; wear your pieces whenever it suits you, not according to society's dictates. "I think that the rules of when and where you bring out your so-called wow pieces should be thrown out the window. Romanticism and playing it safe simply isn’t the right choice for this day and age," Logan says. Of course, the office may not be the place for a feather tutu, but it certainly can work for a sophisticated leather skirt or jacket. Fashion always favors the brave.

5. If you just don't know where to start wearing leather, fur, or feathers, try out Logan's idea of basic sexy: "I think that there is nothing sexier than a woman or a man in a simple white v-neck, good jeans, and a leather jacket. So simple, but with the proper pieces, fit, and accessories this is a great look." These days, there are also vests and jackets with feathers and fur, so start out with one of these garments in a basic color like black or white. When you're feeling more brave, amp it up and get a bolder piece.

6. 
   2009 Northampton Museum / Creative Commons

   Look for Italian products when purchasing leather and naturally-based trimmings. "Italians do it best. You can see and feel the difference between quality and cheap products: Tanning, oiling, treatments all affect the quality. On the back of the hide (the sueded side) is consistent on quality leather. You pay for what you get," Logan advises. If you purchase something that isn't of particularly high quality, realize that you may be salvaging it sooner than you think. Remember though: a degraded garment is just another piece waiting to be reborn.

Tips & Warnings

• Wearing animal textiles no longer has to compromise your principles. There are excellent sources for faux furs and leathers out there today, and some feathers are harvested from the ground.
• Never store fur in a plastic bag. According to Logan, that kind of bag stifles proper air circulation. Instead, use a fabric bag; shorter pieces can hang in a pillowcase.

Resources

• It's Getting Close! Watch Lifetime's Project Runway on Thursday for Fashion's Best
• Official Site: Logan Neitzel

[PandiaPen]

on 11/20/2009 I love Project Runway! This is so well-written and informative. You really have a flair.

[rcryder]

on 11/20/2009 I guess the animals who wore the fur didn't feel royal?

[bonsueb]

on 11/15/2009 Great tips for wearing unusual trims and clothing items!

[Ruthie]

on 11/11/2009 As a native New Yorker and an avid fan of the slogan, " real people wear real furs ", this informative article will help a lot of people that have some guilt-ridden issues about wearing real fur. Step 4 says it all, " Fashion always favors the brave ". Five stars and a rec. !

[catpower]

on 11/8/2009 DISGUSTING.