60s Cape 70s Vintage Mod Faux Cheetah Trim Camel Country Pacer VFG
This vintage Mod cape dates to the late 1960s or early 1970s and It. Is. Fabulous. It has a vaguely Russian/Dr Zhivago feel to it, with the stand-up collar and assymetrical closure. The left arm emerges below the buttons and the right arm through a slit in the seam. There are a pair of handwarmer pockets in front with vertical flaps. The collar and hem are trimmed in luxuriant looking faux exotic cat fur. The cape is shown in one photo with a leather belt for inspiration - it is not included with purchase.
SIZE: No size label, and measurements are not easy with this kind of design - I would say it's a one-size-fits-many. It was not pinned on my spokesmodel - she usually wears a 2-6. I wear a modern size 12 and it's a reasonable fit, but I probably wouldn't recommend trying to go any higher sizewise.
|
Measurements |
Inches |
Cm |
|
Length |
34.5" |
87.5 |
|
Sweep |
103" |
262 |
FABRIC/COLORS: Camel/tan wool or wool blend with a fused jersey backing. It has a light pile. The trim is imitation cheetah or leopard - very soft.The cape is lined in a rich satin.
TAGS: Country Pacer. The cape also has the ILGWU union label used between 1963 and 1974
CLOSURES: The cape closes with four metal buttons (and bound buttonholes) with a large fabric-covered snap at the neck. When I acquired the cape, it was missing one button so I replaced them all with these authentic vintage buttons. The cape has two thread loops that suggest it might have originally come with a belt.
CONDITION: I re-stitched an open seam, and as mentioned above, replaced buttons. There is some subtle color variation that looks like it's probably due to sun fading, most noticeable along some of the seaming on the upper half - see closeup. I found one small "divot" of the pile on the back near the hem - the woven fabric itself is completely intact. No holes, stains, tears or other issues noted.
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.