Golden fur to brighten up wardrobe

People looking for an alternative way to add value to their closet may want to add a piece of clothing from Fendi.

The Italian fashion house has patented a procedure to create golden fur, reports the Financial Times.

According to the newspaper, 24-carat gold particles are pulverised in a vacuum chamber and are then absorbed into the material.

The golden effect is permanent.

Helen Wood, international designer buyer at Harrods, said many designers are now looking for ways to set themselves apart from the high street.

She said: "You go to H&M and see a designer dress there before the real thing has even hit the floors of Harrods or Harvey Nichols."

In order to resist this, Ms Wood said: "Designers are ... making pieces so special they can't be copied."

Along with Fendi's 24-carat gold fur, Balmain used fine chain-mail in its collection, Prada turned to hand-made lace in a variety of weights, all created by Swiss lace artisans.