Very cool illustrations and creative writing in several languages.
These black crepe coats are so fun and individual – I really love wearing them! While not being fully antique, they are earlier examples from the ’30’s & ’40’s. One may be from the early ’50’s . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
On the far left, the characteristic feature of this one are the shoulder tails, which are folded across the front in this picture. It also has a deep slit in the back hem – almost a long jacket, rather than a coat.
In the center is a rather plain, tailored black crepe coat, but you can see the scalloped hems on the sleeves. Perfectly elegant and discreet.
On the right, a plain, one – button front crepe coat with ivory lining, deep side slits and mink cuffs at the elbows. Hardly inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In three lengths, sumptuous and elegant, black velvet evening wraps from the ’40’s and ’50’s. Can’t see detail in these photos (black is that way!) but the detail, though lovely, is not terribly important because you can see the lines.
The detail is subtle in the garments – the focus is on elegant simplicity, beautiful fabric and beautiful cut. What could be better over your choice of evening ensemble?
Besides, they’re very discreet at night, in the dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With the fun styling lines of the mid-Sixties, this coat will go with almost everything and be such fun to wear. Someone loved it because the condition is fabulous. Also, unlike many coats with fur collars, this one is just basted in place so can easily be removed if only for a trip to the dry-cleaners. What convenience!
I love the sporty styling of that era and the way that the back hangs loose and swings while the front ties across the waist. The best of two designs!
A rare find, indeed, but just another day in the life of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Once again, a beautifully-cared-for coat from the mad mod era of the Sixties. This one more closely approaches the late Sixties hippie – boho styling that was popular then. I have another one, very similar, of suede and shearling which has kind of an Asian-sheepherder vibe. The predominant elegance of the earlier part of that decade gave way to much more casual design later on.
Regardless, this coat is very well-made and also features the basted-on collar and cuffs that make changing the look or dealing with cleaning a lot simpler. The suede is still that super-soft fine leather that may be lambsuede (makes me sad just to think about it) which had been a popular coat material during the Kennedy administration. That and the beautiful fur trim (again, very sad) is a nod to the elegance that was fast slipping away.
One thing that makes me very happy when I see vintage furs is that today faux furs look virtually identical! That’s one plus which will make the practice of raising, trapping and slaughtering animals for their furs less popular. Please, never buy a modern garment made with real fur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I know that I already have several of these but this example was just too good to pass up. Beautiful, beautiful condition and it’s the ONLY one I have that has a tie belt! As always, the tailoring is gorgeous and the materials of such high quality. The styling is elegant, but also fashionable and versatile. Like some of my others, the mink collar has been attached by hand so it’s really easy to snip it off and wear the coat with scarves or shawls instead.
True vintage coats are some of the most elegant and unique statement pieces that you can wear. Plus, they’re one of the smartest buys. Everyone needs at least one good coat. The retro versions are pretty much worthless so don’t pass by the coat rack next time you’re shopping for true vintage fashion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OK, as promised, I’m in the midst of compiling a reprise of my coat collection to pass the time while taking a break from the field. What fun!
I hadn’t looked at many of these posts for a long time and have so many wonderful coats that each one gets worn infrequently and, of course, depends on the weather and the occasion. It’s been a lot of fun reviewing them and remembering the times when they were discovered.
So many fascinating investigations – enough to make a daily update into the New Year. Of course, whenever I uncover a new find, you’ll be the first to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 