Bloc Magazine Spring 15

20 // WWW.BLOCHOTELS.COM L ovely, snuggly sheepskin has come a long way since its shabby association with Del Boy from or John Motson. Now it is this Spring’s hottest fashion trend. The change in fortunes of fleeces has arrived too late for Nursey and Son, Britain’s old sheepskin specialist. The firm, which supplied everyone from the Only Fools and Horses prop department to shabby-chic football commentators, closed its doors for good after 169 years of business. But the new-wave unisex look has inspired the catwalk creations of everyone from Tommy Hilfiger in New York (far right) to Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3 show in Paris (left). It severs all ties with the past by taking sheepskin up market. But the fun you can have with fleece shouldn’t stop with your wardrobe, it is the perfect way to add a touch of warmth to your home. The impressive Shell lounger seat with sheepskin pad (above) is an easy chair with a gentle rocking action that keeps you comfortable in whatever position you choose. £980 from niumii.com . Meanwhile, down-filled, buttery soft cowhide leather and Australian sheep- skin pillows from the Gambrell Renard Logan Collection are a must for the style conscious. £150 from gambrell- renard.com . The much-loved family pet need not be denied the joys of fleece, thanks to mis-shapen skins from the tannery deemed not perfect for a full rug. These dog and cat beds look fantastic in any corner of the house and they have all the great properties of sheep- skin to repel dirt and liquid. £40 from thefabulousfleececompany.co.uk . GETTING FLEECED THE ART OF WORDS // KATIE WHITTINGTON ------------------------------------------------------