FUR BIBHU: Before launching his own collection, Bibhu Mohapatra learned the ins and out of fur design working for eight-plus years at J.Mendel. Now he has put all that know-how to use with his first full-fledged fur collection — 22 styles that will be in stores this fall. He has a licensing deal with BC International. The designer said he was encouraged to wade deeper into the category after Lane Crawford placed a significant order last year.
With the help of orders from Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s, Mohapatra expects to ring up $1.4 million in wholesale volume for fur. Having “graduated” to a noon slot instead of 9 a.m. for his Sept. 10 show, he said he plans to hit the road for trunk shows and special appearances to help sell his furs before the first snowfall.