As the winter season approaches and the weather continues to cool, every luxe junkie's mind naturally turns to - what else? - FUR! Today's couture helpdesk reviews some commonly encountered fur types used in both fashion and the home:
Chinchilla
Chinchilla's luxuriant look and velvety texture are due in no small measure to the more than 80 fibres that grow from each follicle in contrast to most fur-bearing animals whose fur is characterized by just one hair per follicle. Often used for collars, cuffs, capelets, stoles and short jackets.Fox
This fluffy, long-haired fur is available in the widest range of natural colors of any fur, apart from mink, including silver, crystal blue, red, grey and white. Widely used as trim for collars, cuffs, wraps and stoles in combination with mink or other furs, as well as on its own for jackets and coats.Lamb
Russian broadtail lamb is sleek, lightweight, shiny and flat, with a slight wave, like fine moiré fabric. Persian lamb pelts are prized for their soft, wavy curls with natural colors of black, brown and grey. Shearling is natural lamb with the leather side sueded or leatherized and worn on the outside, and the curly fur worn as a lining.Lynx
Wildly furry, lynx has an exaggerated edge to it which makes it ideal for use in more casual, fashion-forward pieces. Base fur colour ranges from white to gold, often with dark brown to black spots scattered throughout. The whiter the fur, the higher its value.Mink
Soft and lightweight with lustrous guard hair and dense, soft undertur, mink remains the most popular fur in the world. Female pelts are smaller in size and have a softer, silkier feel than the larger male pelts. Mink is available in a wide range of natural colors and may be sheared for a sporty, casual look. It is a very durable fur despite its luxurious look.Nutria
Found mainly in Argentina and the Southern USA, it is also farmed in Poland and the Czech Republic. Similar to beaver, it is often sheared for a sporty, more lightweight feel. Because its underfur is very soft and plush and its fur can be dyed in a variety of shades, nutria is a popular fur for linings and trims.Orylag
A new breed created by the French National Institute of Agronomical Research. The fur is stunningly soft, almost liquid-feeling, and is even denser than chinchilla. Does not exhibit the hair fall problems associated regular rabbit. Suitable for everything from throws to coats to scarves. The name Orlyag is trademark-protected.Pony
Stiff, shiny hairs that lie flat for a glossy sheen. Often dyed to approximate the look of unavailable exotic furs like zebra, leopard, etc. Generally delicate, hairs tend to fall out leading to the appearance of "bald" spots over time. Frequently used for shoes and sportswear.Rabbit
Rabbit generally has medium length guard hair in a variety of natural colors and is often sheared or knitted. It is quite soft to the touch but has a tendency to shed and does not wear well over time. One of the least expensive furs, it is often used for trims as well as various home accessories such as throws and pillows.Rex
A variety of rabbit recognized by its soft fur that is often described as having a velvety texture. Softer & denser fur than run-of-the-mill rabbit, this variety is sometimes used by premier designers in their lower-end lines.Sable
Barguzin sable from the Barguzin Valley of Russia is still the most prized fur in the world, renowned for its legendary silky quality, rarity and light weight. It is the most expensive fur, and the value of the pelt increases with the amount of silver hairs. Canadian sable (brown or golden) is a less expensive alternative. 
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