Each year only four manufacturers/retailers/designers will have the opportunity to purchase the very best of the best Black NAFA in one of two NAFA auctions held in February and May annually. The individual lots are produced by the most elite farms in North America and are voted upon by the international trade. This year marks the first time a major international designer such as the House of Nina Ricci has purchased a Black NAFA Top Lot for its own collection and underlines the importance of quality in fashion everywhere.

Quality is obviously very important as is design, but without the excellence in craftsmanship to realize the full potential of the designer vision and the beauty of the pelts, a garment will fall short. The companies who successfully competed to purchase this year's Black NAFA Top Lots in Male and Female Mink are outstanding artisans. Their skills are talents are what continue to make fur design the ultimate in luxury.

This year's 2009 February Black NAFA Top Lot Buyers are: House of Nina Ricci, Marco Varni Furs