Alabama’s Only Master Furrier

Established in 1932 by Dave Hittman in Westport, CT, John Pechi acquired Maxine Furs in 1984. Awarded the title of ‘Master Furrier’ by the Fur Guild of America in 1986, John first began working with furs in Kastoria, Greece in 1959. Two years later he moved to the United States, settling in New York where he perfected his skills as a furrier and fur designer. By 1970, John started Valencia Furs, a mink fur manufacturer. And in 1974 John completed his studies in fur design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Five years later John established a fur manufacturing plant employing 200+, making him the largest fur manufacturer in the United States. His furs were purchased by many leading retailers.

In 1984 John purchased Maxine Furs and expanded to 3 full-service retail locations throughout Connecticut offering alterations, sales, custom design, cleaning and storage. During this time, John developed a fur cleaning method using all natural ingredients and recognized for his custom design and manufacturing of the ‘Dynasty Fur Collection’ worn by Joan Collins and Linda Evans, as well as custom designs for Bette Davis, Joanne Woodward, Anne Baxter and Paul Newman. John eventually settled in Birmingham, AL where he continues to design, clean, repair and store furs.