This incredible opera coat was made in the 1930's and is labelled 'Peter Jones J.Lewis'.
Made from inky black velvet with a gorgeous sheen, the body of the piece is fairly simple and straight. It has a teeny hook at the neck and large square paste button trim. There is a single hook at the waist and a ribbon tie to keep the waist set at the size that it is. You could move the hook to alter the waist size or remove it, and the ribbon tie, entirely to make the coat open fronted.
What makes this piece incredible are the heavily pleated shoulders which fall into a huge balloon sleeves. The sleeves feature a pleated cuff with button and hook fastening.
Black is notoriously tricky to photograph and this piece looks so much better in real life than in the photos.
Measurements
It isn't meant to be close fitting. To ensure that it will fit you properly, please compare the measurements below to a similar piece you already own;
Flat bust 21"
Flat waist 19"
Flat hip 22"
Shoulders between sleeves 15"
Underarm sleeve length 20.5"
Flat sleeve at the fullest 15"
Length 55"
Condition
Good with some minor points to note;
- there is a small loss of nap on the left sleeves
- light marks on both bodice fronts - oddly it looks like each once had a sticker of some kind
- a few small nap losses in tiny areas
- couple of small holes in the lining
- slightest discolouration on the hem