Olivia Dunn Journalism

Liverpool has always had a reputation for being bold, classy and having a high impact on the fashion industry. A main statement within this influence of fashion is the fur coat.

The history of the fur coat is one of the oldest forms of fashion in human history. In the 1800s, owning a fur coat symbolised social status in many areas across North America and Europe.

Moving forward to the 1900s the fur coat became more mainstream. This was mainly due to Hollywood glamour and the fur coat being a statement of this, with many actresses wearing them on and off screen, leading to designers incorporating them into their couture collections across New York and Paris.

Mink was the main animal used for fur coats. However, in the early 2000s designers began distancing themselves from real fur and started using faux, with many designers banning real fur from their runways overall. Through all of this the fur coat has remained a defining statement of fashion and luxury.

How does this lead to Liverpool?

Well the fur coat is less about a fashion statement but more about the identity and culture of the city. The city has always been known for dressing up over dressing down, with its style being accompanied with high heels, bouncy blow dries and full glam makeup. The fur coat fits perfectly into this aesthetic of bold glamour. But how did this tradition start in Liverpool?

In the early 2000s during the height of Liverpool F.C. and the club’s global fame, the players’ partners shot to fame and the idea of the WAG (wives and girlfriends of the players) was born. The fur coat became associated with match day appearances, Christmas nights out and the iconic Aintree Racecourse, maintaining the bold, glamorous and expensive image the coat has always held.

Following on from this, shows such as Desperate Scousewives reinforced this idea of hyper glamour within Liverpool, while taking Liverpool’s fashion identity to a national audience. The show demonstrated a look of big lashes, tight dresses and luxury accessories emphasising the “Scouse look”.

The fur coat is not only a fashion statement but a practical piece for the cold winters. Liverpool is known for its nightlife, with the famous Concert Square and Mathew Street. Although the city gets cold winters, the nightlife doesn’t stop. Having a fur coat to accompany the glamorous outfits worn for the parties in Liverpool keeps the bold and glamorous aesthetic while remaining warm through the winters.

Fashion trends come and go but here in Liverpool the fur coat will always remain. It is the City’s culture and pride stitched into one statement piece.

By Olivia Dunn

click here to see a behind the scenes of the photoshoot I conducted for this article https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWOiqD9DPxM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==