Down bellow is the conversation we had and some of my favorites picks of their modern and glamorous new collection.
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MZ: What motivates you to be in the Fur Business?
A: Started as a family business on my side, and Lisa was a Designer
L: Yes, I was a Designer in ready to wear in Denmark, I’m originally from Denmark and Andre is from Switzerland.
A: We meet in Paris, wonderful combination!. We married in 71 and since then we have been together.
MZ: When you marry someone who is in the same business, you grow. It is important for a lasting relationship to like the same things?
A: Yes, it is the same passion.
L: Yes, exactly that’s right, that’s right 24 hours a day is passion
(we all laugh)
MZ: Why to wear furs is becoming more fashionable these days?
A: Yes, Always have been. Really, is interesting in the past few years some people like the idea of people wearing furs. But I think furs always have been in fashion, is like a tradition. Always have been a fashion icon.
MZ: For people in Europe is normal to wear furs because of the weather and lifestyle.
L: Yes, we have the mountains in Switzerland, is normal to wear furs you can’t be out without.
A: Everybody is traveling right now, so maybe people are buying a coat because they are traveling to Europe or to New York and I think actually there are many reasons why you should buy and war a fur coat.
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MZ: People in Texas love to wear furs, especially in Dallas. Is like a piece that you must own.
L: Oh yes! We always had a great time in Dallas, the last couple of years we didn’t go to Dallas, but we have great business in Dallas, we also have great business in warmth areas like Florida, also in Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Francisco is one of our best cities. Also here in San Antonio we did very well 6 years ago. The first time we knew that we were coming to San Antonio, we said: Oh! San Antonio? Where is it? Is like coming to New York, you don’t even realize how great this place is, then when we came here, we said: this store is beautiful! and with all the Mexican costumers coming to shop this time of the year, is a great experience.
MZ: Is the fur industry trying to bring the glamour back?
A: Yes, is the tendency, we have in our collection a numerous glamorous pieces that makes people dress glamorous.
L: Now, Is a different kind of glamour. Now is more looking glamour, it can be very expensive, but is not a statement any more. Is a different lifestyle today, glamour can be over a pair of jeans and you are well dressed.
MZ: Do you think the world is becoming younger that’s why the fashion is changing?
L: Yes it is, the lifestyle is more easy going, sporty. But if you have a beautiful coat you will look glamorous.
MZ: What was your inspiration to create this new collection?
L: Is really what is happening in the fashion scene, what is happening everywhere, when you go out and see the people and how they dress
A: Also is a natural combination of our previous collections, you know? this is a follow up of our previous collection. There is a signature that we keep every year in our collection that is recognizable is a Bisang.
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L: I think the signature is there, you don’t even think about it, it comes naturally. Is the way of doing things even if the fashion changes the signature is there, without you following.
MZ: You say that’s me!
L: Yes! I think that’s important.
MZ: I lived in Europe and I have been is Paris. To see all the mix of beauty, culture and personal styles is wonderful!
L: Yes, we live in Zurich and we go to Paris all the time, go to London and we just sit there. You know? in the "Bistro" and is so enjoyable to see all those people, that inspires me.
MZ: Trendy and fresh.
L: Yes, absolutely!
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MZ: What kind of fur do you recommend to someone who wants to shop for the first time?
A: Sheer mink, is easy, light weight and you can wear it from day to evening. Is your 'pass partout' everywhere at all the times.
MZ: In the world we are living now, people are more aware about taking care of nature and the animal rights. What is your position about this?
A: Oh! Very clear. Animals have their rights, of course we farm our animals and the farm must be perfect, not just for the furs, but for all the animals that are raised, even if is a chicken. We as people have the right to use animals historically and we must do it in a decent way. Just to say that we can eat the animal’s meat, and use the leather to make shoes, but not to use the fur… I don't get that. But if some people don't want to eat meat, to wear leather items and furs, they also have the right to be free and not to do so.
L: What is the cause that inspires the Bisang’s to contribute to a better world?
A: I think being a happy people is almost the best we can do for the world and to be a good person. Also being a good role model for your family is important. Money cannot change the world but a good mind does. This is the best thing we can do. We also do charity.
MZ: What charity do you support?
A: We support the Red Cross, it was funded in Switzerland. We trust it.
L: We also support Childer's Hospitals and the people who are living in the mountains, they work very hard, they are very important for the country, they keep the environment.
MZ: What is your favorite place in Texas?
L: We know Dallas the most; we just to have great time in Dallas. Also we enjoy San Antonio, we found out that the people from Mexico that shop here are very fashion oriented and is very interesting.MZ