Coat, evening coat

Evening coat made from an ikat printed and brocaded fabric. Anna Buruma, the Liberty archivist has found lots of brocaded patterns combined with this print, but not this particular pattern. 'Perhaps this was such an expensive fabric that they did not keep absolutely every variation. Or perhaps there is a [pattern] book missing.'

This luxurious silk velvet evening coat was made by Liberty of Regent Street in about 1930. It was made to go with a ball gown made of apricot satin and a brocade similar to the cloak's ikat-printed brocade sleeves. The eye-catching sleeves have been left open at the back to show their velvet lining. Instead of a label, the maker's name, Liberty, is embroidered in gilt metal thread on the lining of the coat. Liberty was well known for its high-quality textiles.