#7021 $2,150 Reserved
Flocked velvet/satin evening coat, c.1900-1905
This superb evening coat belonged to the same lady who owned the damask evening cape and mesh mitts. She obviously had an eye for fine design as well as the means to acquire it. The couture-quality fabric is the real show stopper in this sumptuous coat.
The luxe coat was made from substantial weight ivory satin embellished with black velvet flowering branches. With its sweeping train, the coat makes a dramatic impression. The sleeves have undersleeves of pleated silk chiffon over satin. The neckline is edged with ruffled black lace. The long black satin streamers that fall from rosettes at the neckline intensify the drama.
Straight and open in front, the coat is shaped across the bodice back with princess line seams that open to the full flared train below the waist. The coat fronts and bodice back are lined with ivory satin. The unlined train is finished at the hem with a wide facing border of ivory satin. The seams of the unlined train are bound with silk ribbon.
The designer chose a simple, monochromatic motif of budding flowers on branches (2nd picture from bottom) used as elements in an almost Pointillist design—when seen from the proper distance (3rd picture down). The great Neo-impressionist painter Georges Seurat would have approved the inspired design.
There is nothing quite so enduringly chic and timeless as a high style evening coat. This one is for a woman whose outward charm mirrors her inward grace. What is that lust for fame that forces men from obscurity into the sun blaze of the great world; what their sentiments so high, so vehement, so ennobling? They all vanish in an instant before the glance of a such a captivating, stylish woman!
The condition is almost excellent. There are several small splits in the lining, which is stable and is not shattering. These are minor flaws. There is no label.
The open front style fits a variety of figures.
It measures approximately: 36" bust and waist, 44" hip, 14 1/2" from shoulder seam
to shoulder seam, 18" sleeve length, and 60" from shoulder to front hem.
