Dennis Basso made his rather unglamorous debut into the world of couture fur design by selling pelts from the trunk of a rented car. Despite such humble beginnings, he has evolved into one of the top fur designers in the U.S. — outfitting celebrities and socialites such as Ivana Trump and Eva Longoria in his luxurious, handcrafted coats and jackets. Basso's runway shows have become a top draw at New York Fashion Week for their parades of coats, shrugs and boleros made from chinchilla, fox, sable, and exotic skins such as alligator and stingray. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring than his furs are his one-of-a-kind evening gowns and bridal dresses — think lush tulle skirts, intricately embroidered organza, and floor-length hourglass sheaths in body-hugging black or white satin. For animal rights enthusiasts, Basso offers faux fur coats that are just as glamorous as the real thing.