This is a vintage 1960s mohair wool coat made in a diagonal striped pattern in tones of pinkish red and off-white. The fabric has a lovely nappe (finish) consisting of long hair mohair fibre. It is made with a collared neckline, the collar being fairly wide and squared, rounded shoulders with inset sleeves that flare out to a wrist length so that one could expose one’s gloves, and cut to flare out to the hemline, causing the lower coat to fall in drapes. The coat has a vertical slit pocket, decorated by a hexagonal shaped overlay, at either side and closes with six plastic buttons plus an off-centre buckled belt that snaps to close. It is fully lined in a red toned satin fabric that is backed with a thermal material.
Label: Gainsborough Parisiennes Par Irving Samuel. Irving Samuel was founded in 1948 in Montreal and was known for quality production. It was home to Jean Claude Poitras, a well known Canadian designer, their own label, other private labels and was the sub-contractor to manufacture Christian Dior in Canada. They closed their doors in 1995.
Retailer label: Irene Wilson Town and Country Clothes Inc. 2155 Crescent St. Montreal. Irene Wilson was a couturier and owner of the Irene Wilson Boutique.
Fabric: No content label, but this probably has a high proportion of mohair to wool, most likely 70% mohair to 30% wool.
Sizing: There is no size label, and although this should fit a medium size, it is cut narrow across the upper back, so please rely on the following measurements for fit (please take the style of the coat and thickness of the fabric into consideration):
Shoulders: 16” across shoulder/sleeve seams
Sleeves: 23” long from the shoulder/sleeve seam
Sleeve inseam: 16 1/2”
Bust: 40” around, taken under the arms
Waist: 33” around
Hips: 44 ” around
Overall length: 46", measured flat at the back from the neck seam
Condition: It is in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear, holes, stains or odour - it looks to have seen little use and was well stored over the years. Note that the Irene Wilson label is detached at one side.
This is an excellent quality coat - very attractive 60s styling!