20s Cape Black Silk Satin Tiers Ruffles Gold Lamè Lining VFG
A 1920s flapper evening cape with a complex design. There is a wide rolled "shawl" collar that becomes a placket extending down to the hem. A rounded dropped yoke accommodates the shoulders. From there, there are tiers of subtle not-gathered ruffles that become wider the further down they go - shallowest near the shoulders, widest the last 3 rows at the bottom. The tiers are placed in 2 sections, one suggesting a bodice and the other a skirt with an unruffled section between, suggesting a dropped waist. There is a multi-layered faux stock on the left side of the neckline that I have not quite been able to figure out - it has no obvious fasteners. I showed it in photos a couple of different ways, including pinning the longest section to the other side of the cape with a large brooch - my favorite look, but not a quick easy on & off. The brooch is not included with purchase. When the cape flares open, you catch a glimpse of the bronzey gold lamè lining. Wowza.
SIZE: No size label. And capes are difficult to measure, being one size fits quite a few. I wear a modern size 12, and although the front edges of the cape don't meet, nor can I use the snap, the shoulders do not feel particularly tight, and if I were wearing a fabulous dress underneath that I wanted to show off, I'd be happy with the look.
| Measurements | Inches | Cm |
| Approximate shoulders | 15" | 38 |
| Circumference at bust/arms with snap closed | 44" | 112 |
| Approximate waist | 39" | 99 |
| Length from back of neck | 44" | 112 |
| Sweep | 75" | 190 |
FABRIC/COLORS: Black silk satin per a fiber burn test. There is a layer of crisp lightweight-but-not-sheer black fabric that the satin tiers are attached to - looks like organza? The cape is lined in dark gold lamè.
TAGS: No tags
CLOSURES: A single snap at about bust level, a little way within the "shawl" collar, so that it folds softly.
CONDITION: There is some fiber shredding to the gold lining at the shoulders and back of neck- see closeups. This is inside of course, and not seen when worn. I have hand stitched some open seams in the lining.
I will also say that the cape did well with steamer, but it was a long process - all those layers!
I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise.
For menswear, the chest is measured at armpit level.
For womenswear, the bust is measured a little below armpit level, including the room created by darts or gathers.
Waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated.
The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
If the garment is shown on Josephine, my mannequin, her measurements are 31/24.5/34". Sometimes she wears a padded bra. My live models measurements vary depending on the day and year, and I don't ask them to share that.