Dennis Basso

Profile

While some Manhattan furriers specialize in classically cut coats and jackets that women can wear for decades, Dennis Basso and his colleagues are more interested in "new" fur—the kind a starlet or pop diva might sport on the red carpet, and that might be replaced (or outdated) in a season or two. Accordingly, fashion rules at his white-marble Madison Avenue shop, which is stuffed with pelts dyed, beaded, and shaped within an inch of their natural state. Past the crystal chandelier in the foyer find cropped fox jackets built just like Chanel's signature boleros, striped chinchilla trenches similar to J. Mendel's originals, and embroidered, beaded black mink overcoats that almost hide the fact that they're fur. Even the more traditional stoles and overcoats are slimmer and more tailored here; trendy details like bell sleeves and hoods aren’t uncommon on the outerwear. To underscore the point that Dennis Basso means fashion fur, the walls are lined with photos of supermodels like Maggie Rizer and Cintia Dicker sporting the boutique's latest styles. For a smoother visit, avoid the weekends; zealous PETA protestors often protest outside the store on Saturdays. — Faran Alexis Krentcil