1952 Charles James Couture 'Chesterfield' Documented Museum-Held Princess Coat

Breathtaking Charles James Couture documented 'Chesterfield' princess coat dating back to his 1952 collection. Charles James (1906-1978) was a British-born fashion designer known as "America's First Couturier". A master of cutting, James is most famous for his highly structured aesthetic. This gorgeous garment is fashioned from a luxurious heavy flecked black wool of the highest quality. Fully lined in a beautiful rust orange liquid silk-satin. The sculpted structure is beyond any outerwear I have come across. Ever inch of the garment was meditated upon and carefully considered. Shaped with princess line seams that flare out below the waist, the figure flattering cut adds fullness to the skirt while slimming the mid-section. Not only is the outer structure of the coat incredible, what lies beneath is spectacular. Just look at the specially sculpted padding on each front hip. This accentuates and exaggerates the hips further for a true nipped hourglass silhouette. The back-belted gathered design truly brings this coat to new levels. The mark of a truly fashionable garment is that it remains stylish and timeless 60 years later, as does this rare museum-held designer treasure.

Measurements
Bust: 36-37 inches
Waist: 28 inches
Hips: Free Sweep
Total Length: 44 inches

This Charles James Couture 'Chesterfield' documented princess coat is in excellent condition with no rips, stains or holes. The inside is all immaculate and hand-finished. Perfectly working front self-covered original buttons. Original label is missing but fully documented in 'Charles James Beyond Fashion", for the Costume Institute Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2014 exhibition, page 42 figure 40 (see photo). As well, the Costume Institute Metropolitan Museum of Art collection accession number 1975.246.1. This rare garment is truly exquisite and a wearable investment piece that will only increase in value.