This beautifully made coat was created by an unknown designer in the late 1960s and is likely to be American made. Patchwork fashion was all the rage in the haute couture collections of 1968 and 69, especially from the designers Yves Saint Laurent and American counterpart Adolfo Sardina. This look reminded me of Gloria Vanderbilt's wraparound coat for a fashion editorial in 1970 in her 'patchwork room'.

Unlabelled, the coat is composed of dozens of octagonal patches of cloth in a variety of patterns and colours. It showcases wools, tweeds, silks, lamé, jacquards, brocades, bouclés and cotton fabrics, patterned with tartans, houndstooths, florals, ribbon work and paisleys, among others. The result is a cohesive design which subtly fades from pale creams and beiges at the shoulders to deep charcoal greys, purples and navy blues at the bottom hem. The jacket is collarless and tailored in a straight A-line cut which is a classic duster style. The sleeves are flared and the coat is lined with ivory silk satin throughout. It is designed to be worn open and therefore has no fastenings along the front. Pair with your favourite jeans and top for a laid-back vibe or a black trouser suit for a more tailored evening look.

The coat is in very good to excellent vintage condition; I noted a few of the hexagonal patches have a small mark or two but these are very difficult to see when worn - if at all. Do check our measurements closely as the fabric has no stretch. We've tried it on at Circa and it fits a variety of sizes up to a UK size 14 or US 10 as long as you are not too broad shouldered. Our model is a UK 8-10 US 4-6 and 5'9". This coat looked great on her with some room to spare.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)

WAIST - 50 in. (127 cm)

HIP - 58 in. (147 cm)

LENGTH - 39 in. (99 cm)

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)