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Coats are something I kind of have an obsession with, at last count I had seven and evidently this is a trait that has been with me for quite a while. My mother came for a visit last week and brought some of the coats I wore in high school, and my daughters, who are getting into vintage, pounced on them! So I’ll share these gems with you over the next few days.
Abby snapped this up the minute she saw it and has been wearing it to school with skinny black jeans; this coat has a ton great detail. It needs a few buttons replaced but is mostly in good condition. The 70’s is my absolute favorite decade for coats; I just love the exuberance of design in that era. Other than knowing its US made I have no idea who the designer was; its red vinyl with a good quality rayon faille lining. The label is long gone but its US made because there is a ILGWU tag in a side seam.
Let’s look at the details:
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The collar totally rocks! I LOVE the size and the buttons and that the upper collar and the lapels are not attached. Love the way it hugs the neck and I think the reason is:
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There is no collar stand! I find this quite interesting and I suspect the center back seam on the under collar is there for support. Notice the two shaping seams in the middle of each shoulder seam.
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The front seams are also interesting, instead of a seam that runs to the hem it stops about 8 inches from the hem.
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The back view; notice the belt pulls the back skirt into a pleat. This is intentional and part of the design. The belt is set into a princess seam that runs from the armsyce. Notice the two piece sleeves.
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Forgive my wonky seam tracing! The left line is the side seam with the pocket welt, the right line is the princess seam and the belt attachment.
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And lastly, the HUGE pocket welts, which I think are so cool. Here you can clearly see them set into the side seam. If Abby didn’t love this coat as much as she does I’d pick it apart and draft a replica for myself!
I can see why your daughter is smitten with this coat – it is simply sublime! Thanks for the tour of all the fabulous details!
Love. Love! LOVE!
I just acquired a similar style pattern from Etsy.
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Simplicity_8502
I am actually using it to make my fiance a classic pea coat (I got a size 16 and had to add some width and straighten some seam lines on it to fit him).
The pattern has patch pockets instead of welts and a purchased belt but I think you could easily modify it to replicate your vintage coat.
It really is a fabulous coat. It’s cool that your Mom still had it.
What I find really really great is the the collars aren’t too exaggerated. What an awesome coat!
Perhaps you can take it apart & do a draft when Abby has “moved on” to another fashion era.
How awesome is that?!? That is fantastic that you’ve been reconnected with it.
This is a fabulous coat and to think that your daughter wants to wear it is just incredible. This gives credence to all the heirloom clothing that my daughters are packing up and leaving for the next wave of admirers.
The coat looks still FAB and I can feel the love you had when you wore that coat. Now it will be your daughters coat for a while.
The collar design is called Napoleon Collar
That coat is absolutely fabulous!!!!! I am in love with it!! The color, style, everything about it — WOW!!!!!!!