Modern chemistry has made it possible to do whatever you want with mink fur, including likening it to any of the shades of the rainbow. However, natural, undyed fur remains a favorite among both clothing designers and fashionistas with refined taste. Unpainted mink lasts longer, withstands unpleasant weather surprises and other incidents better and, finally, simply looks more natural. Recently, even hairdressers have started to compare the subtle shades of women's hair color with the most characteristic skins of purebred mink. Of course, not brick red or leopard print!

   And at the same time, it’s time to ask the question: what is the natural color of mink? The wild brothers of this animal of the mustelid family are discreet brownish-brown in color. Their skins rarely end up in even the largest fur trading houses: they don’t look good! White, blue, cream, black fur coats come to us from selective animals that have been raised in captivity for generations under the strict control of geneticists.

   In the most general form, the classification of colored minks looks like this: blue, brown, white. Black mink is actually a variation of brown or blue, which has reached its extreme expression. The so-called “scan black” – Scandinavian black mink – has a slightly brownish tint. The “Aleutian Black and Blue” breed actually looks almost completely black, and therefore is valued somewhat more. The best white mink is the Scandinavian Hedlund breed. By the way, the Scandinavian mink differs from the American mink in having longer and more luxuriant fur, and in North America the selection of short-haired, velvety minks is being carried out with great success.

   Time to clarify what is hidden behind the pompous names of some breeds and colors? “Pastel” is a soft brown color. “Soklot-pastel” is darker. The rich color of mahogany is “mahogany”. Light beige mink is the mysterious “palomino”, and another popular shade is called “orchid” - “orchid”. “Pink” minks with white downy skins can also be considered light beige. “Lavender”, “sapphire”, “blue iris”, “violet” (“violet”) are blue minks of different shades. “Hope”, or amber-sapphire mink, is a beige mink with a blue tint, a more delicate shade is hidden under the name “topaz”, and the lightest minks of this color are called “pearl”. In recent years, the “cross jacket” has come into fashion. These minks come in different colors, but they are united by a beautiful pattern on the back in the form of a dark cross, which evokes an association with “wild” fur. And finally, the “jaguar”, which does not look like a jaguar at all - black spots on a white background.

   High fashion houses in the fur industry have created several brands that signify that mink belongs to the world of glamor. This is the “Blackglama” mink - short, completely black fur with a velvet texture, one of the most expensive accessories, in addition to which a diamond necklace and a black “Jaguar” (or at least a red “Cadillac”) are appropriate. Remember: this is not a “black llama” at all - this fur has nothing to do with the artiodactyl inhabitants of the Andes. Also keep in mind that genuine blackglame is several times more expensive than standard black mink and is only available from authorized sellers. Canadian manufacturers use the “Black NAFA” brand, which is no less expensive, although not as “promoted”. Scandinavian producers mark their best minks with the label “Saga” or even “Royal Saga”.

   Each category of mink, each color range has its own elite breeds and varieties of fur, and there are color standards that you can follow when choosing a fur coat. Not just “something for every day,” but a harmonious combination with other items of your clothing, as well as with your character and individual style.