A patterned version of this coat was photographed for The Daily Telegraph Magazine in September 1973 and featured Jean Shrimpton and Barbara Miller. I am very pleased to have an all black version of it for the shop as it is exceptional. This coat is made even more interesting because the tag on it is from the short lived and very rare Maternity line that Biba did. These were made in the same fabric and styles as the regular line but with room added for a growing bump. It is extremely rare to find pieces with this label which makes this coat that much more fascinating
The coat is wonderful. It has those fabulous Art Deco lines that Barbara Hulanicki favoured. The extra room it has through the body just makes it even more fabulous to wear with or without a baby bump to go with it. It is made out of a light in weight ultra soft black faux fur. The pile of the fabric lays flat and close to the cloth and it has a swirly textured feel to it. The fabric is very soft and supple. The coat falls beautifully once on. The coat zips up the front to a high funnel neck. It is more fitted through the shoulders and then falls, swinging outwards with all of the volume created by the way the fabric has been cut and pieced together. The shoulders and sleeves are spectacular. Each shoulder is set with a high capped cut. This was something that Hulanicki became known for and pieces with this cut are among the most coveted. The sleeves are equally as fabulous. They are cut wide and full and get wider as they reach their ends. This is from the Big Biba store era and it is an exceptional piece of fashion history that is still so very wearable and chic. Excellent condition
Fully lined in black silk. It zippers to close at the front and has pockets on each side. Perhaps the lightest of matting to the inside collar. A teeny bit of wear here and there along the edges of the cuffs. If the arm opening will work it should fit a range of sizes.
Sleeves: 25"
Slightly inset shoulder: 13"
Interior arm opening: 14" around
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 40" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# C467
Reference Photos: Jean Shrimpton and Barbara Miller (both in Biba) by Duffy, The Daily Telegraph Magazine, September 1973.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
