Friday, February 9, 2024

Homegrown Forties chic - Adrian wool coat, circa 1945

 

Adrian, arguably the greatest and probably the most remembered of the legendary Hollywood costume designers of the Thirties, left MGM, his home studio for thirteen years, in 1941, when his contract expired. He had likely been planning this for some time, as only a few months later he reappeared, in business as Adrian, Ltd. in Beverly Hills. The timing of this new venture's debut was fortuitous, with the war in Europe on and all contact with Paris fashion severed. At any rate, Adrian, Ltd. proved quite successful, critically and popularly, and the designer exerted a strong influence on American fashion until the late 1940s.

The wide shawl collar could also be worn close around the neck; the buttonhole was hidden in the seam. (I love that.)

Coat front, collar, and back yoke in black & white pinstripe wool, with solid black piping; coat back and sleeves of solid black wool; inset black waistband; large button back pockets. Sold by Augusta Auctions in 2016.




3 comments:

  1. Tissu, texture, motif, design et style, tout y est, les maîtres mots d'un fin artisan de la couture. :)
    Adrian était un cadeau pour la mode.
    -Beau Mec à Deauville

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  2. The attention to detail and structure reveal Adrien's talents as a dressmaker. :)
    Love the dressmakers label, they are little artistic collectibles in themselves. :)

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