The world renowned Furry Godmother, Tiara Marie, launched her fashion line FGM Bespoke at Saks Fifth Avenue in Frontenac on Thursday, Nov. 14 with a special show hosted by Fashion Bomb Daily’s Claire Sulmers. Marie’s line first premiered during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. Looks from the show included day and night.
Classic silhouettes like a denim jumpsuit with a collar fitted with a marble dyed Swakara fur, and a subtle trim of the same along the ankle also ripped the runway. There were classic looks, like a dazzling black floor-length gown with a seductive thigh-high slit and a simple fur cuff around the wrist. Several menswear looks – like suit jackets and two full Swakara fur sets – were arguably the stars of the show. A classic blazer and Bermuda short set dyed a mossy green color with subtle embellishments along the lining was arguably the most popular.
Typically, the expectation would be for a fur set to be heavy and rigid. However, Marie’s design appeared to be light-weight and flexible. There was a semi-stacked pant and a denim style jacket with a cap sleeve. It was dyed in a black and white cow print, giving this clever look even more edge.
FGM represents her namesake, Furry Godmother, and Bespoke is befitting because every piece is made custom from the finest fur found around the world. She particularly enjoys working with Swakara, which is predominantly found in the southwestern countries of Africa. This type of fur includes more skin than wool, making it ideal for year round use. From afar it appears to be suede, however, looking closely one will discover the subtle fur, and become enamored by its majestic waves.
Born in Chicago, Ill., Marie did not know much about fur. That changed when she was gifted a fur keychain by St. Louis business owner and now husband, John Hanlon, of The Fur & Leather Centre. Marie joined the business as co-owner and chief marketing officer four years ago to help regenerate sales for the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her fur collection grew from a keychain to a scarf, to a vest, then to a coat. Now she has so many she can hardly keep count. She enjoyed the compliments and reactions she would get adorned in these fine furs and believed it was her duty to make fur an everyday fashion.
Marie’s “fur is fashion” movement inspired her to create FGM Bespoke, which is an offshoot brand at The Fur & Leather Centre, and design all-purpose looks that can be worn yearlong.
With the line, Marie was able to create a bridge between high fashion and street fashion by adding a few simple fur embellishments. For instance, she created a camouflage print mini skirt and included deep gold Swakara fur panels. The upcycle provided a high end silhouette. She used a standard Chicago Bulls jersey, cropped it and added a luscious fur trim – and paired it with a cargo pant and an abundance of icy jewelry. This ensemble screamed hip-hop, but it also displayed high fashion thanks to the fur. Her collection featured several denim looks with Swakara fur pockets and paneling. She even included looks for children to introduce them to the “fur is fashion” lifestyle. Among them was an A-line fur skirt with a subtle pastel cow print design, a maroon skirt with a zipper detailing and a sleeveless blouson jacket, perfect for the spring or fall.
With “fur is fashion” as her design motto, Marie was able to create and expose St. Louis to fur fashions that are versatile and not confined to any season. With FGM Bespoke, she has introduced the region to sustainable fashion furs that are not only practical but can also be passed down through generations – and worn forever. Her designs have been featured in publications like Gazelle Magazine, Nylon Magazine, and Fashion Bomb Daily. This is only the beginning for Tiara Marie and FGM Bespoke.
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