Island Furs, a jewel of the South side

Island Furs, a jewel of the South side

Adorning a fur coat has long been a staple of success in African American communities. No one knows that better than Island Fur owners, Gerald J. Brown and Berry James.

Island Furs, located on 1827 W. 103rd St., is one of only five African American owned furriers in the nation, and the only one in Chicago.

Both James and Brown are 20 years plus veterans in the fur industry. They've worked for major fur companies in retail, design, and manufacturing.

Meeting through mutual fur companies, the two soon decided that they should partner and work for themselves.

"We said that if we could do this for everyone else then we could do it for ourselves," said James.

Despite the controversy that surrounded fur purchases in the early 1990's, James said Island Furs opened strong. "All the controversy did not bother our market," said James. With a clientele that is "99 percent African American," Island Furs has grown thirty percent each year since its launch in 1992.

The South Side furrier specializes in mink. However, Island Furs also carries raccoon, beaver, coyote, sable, and Tibetan lamb designs for both men and women. Brown designs 80 percent of their fur collection. Island Fur apparel can range from $2,000 to $50,000 per item.

The company also has a full line of leather coats.

However, they also provide full fur services. Island Furs repairs, redesigns, manufactures, cleans and stores furs.

So what's hot in the fur market? "The college students are getting more into fur jackets," said James. James also notes that the full length fur coat is growing in popularity as well as fur wear for men.

James advises those thinking of purchasing a fur to develop a relationship with their furrier.

"Ask them a lot of questions and learn how to determine the quality of the skin," said James. Furs, said James, should be cleaned once a year.

Coats should also be stored with a furrier or in a moderate temperature during the summer.

James accredits Island Furs' success to the "personal touch" they give their customers.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Berry James, Jr. and Gerald Brown)