MAY 14, 2020
Other than the raincoat from, FASHION SHOW: SECOND YEAR COLLECTION 1977, this is one of a small number of coats that I have designed.
The brushed wool wrap-coat has a shawl collar, bishop sleeves and a fabric belt at the waist. Like a 1950s circle skirt; from the waist to the hem the coat flares out. The lining is satin. Braid trim is on the collar and front edge of the coat and on the bishop sleeves.
Brushed wool is a directional fabric; it has nap, just like velvet, corduroy or suede. When you run your hand over the cloth in one direction the surface appears smooth, silky and reflects light; run your hand in the other direction and the surface is raised, matte and absorbs light, making the colour look darker.
The upper part of the collar and the lower part of the sleeve have been cut on the reverse nap, so they look like a silky black compared to the rest of the coat.
Janice’s sketch, wool coat; shawl collar wrap, tie at waist, bishop sleeves; collar and sleeve contrast, cut on reverse nap for contrast ©Janice Colbert 2020