Fur as Fashion 

Fur was considered a symbol of luxury and became so sought after that French kings passed laws to regulate its use. For example, ermine fur became exclusive to the royal family. 

Fur wasn’t just for clothing; it also became a staple in winter accessories like muffs, collars, and hats. Madame de Pompadour, for example, was famously depicted in
a portrait by Hubert Drouais wearing an Indian gown and a fur muff. Due to its warmth, fur quickly became a symbol of high social status, given its expensive cost.
Fur also signified membership in specific groups, military figures and actors, for instance, wore leopard skin. The 18th century’s fascination with exoticism led people to thrill at the thought of far-off, dangerous lands.

The line between fashion and interior design is blurred. 

Fur patterns are a perfect example. Around 1770, these motifs began appearing in home décor, such as carpets described as “tiger skins.” Behind this general term, a variety of animal patterns emerged, spotted, tigré, zebra, leopard, and more.

In the 19th century, interest in animal motifs grew, driven by the rise of orientalism. Fascination with Middle Eastern cultures and the allure of exoticism led to the use of animal patterns in home décor. Salons featured Persian rugs, tiger pelts, and animal skins draped over furniture.

The high cost of these materials, combined with the popularity of animal motifs and the rise of wall-to-wall carpeting, encouraged European manufacturers to create woven substitutes. Braquenié produced numerous designs, some of which were used by Madeleine Castaing. 

Fur, Bold and Unapologetic. 

The fascination with wild animal motifs cycles through interior design. While relatively subdued at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, it made a dramatic return during the Art Deco period, fueled by the discovery of indigenous arts from French colonies. 

What was once confined to floors in the 19th century began to appear on walls and furniture in the 1920s. René Prou and Armand Rateau’s furniture designs are perfect examples of this shift. Around the same time, Georges Le Manach had tiger and leopard silks woven by hand, a tradition that continues today, with the weavers producing just 1.5 meters per day.

These years marked the golden age of the animal print motif. Alongside felines, exotic animals like pythons, zebras and crocodiles joined the scene. 

Hollywood glamour, graphic, fluffy, or rock-and-roll in the 1970s, animal prints,
both as illusion and material, continue to add depth and style to interiors. Whether used in minimalist touches or maximalist designs, they remain a timeless element in décor, captivating our spaces through the ages.