Bonnie Cashin Cape and Skirt, Dress, Coat, Photograph, Two Sketches, Two Patterns, 1960s

THE FIRST - March 1963
This group of items includes a leather cape and skirt, photograph of a model wearing the design, a copy of an illustration of the cape and skirt, and the pattern.

The black and white photographic print features American model, Carmen Dell'Orefice, wearing the cape and skirt (it is not known if this exact ensemble is the one worn by the model.

The copy of a sketch features the leather cape and skirt, along with this message: "Wear a cardigan cape suit for a first fall day - cape lined in jersey - jersey blouse" (The jersey blouse is not included in this lot). The bottom of the copy of the sketch features Bonnie Cashin's signature and the words "March 1963".

The pattern is made of eight pieces.

The cape and skirt are made of a brown/green leather. The cape is lined with brown/green jersey and is cut with an elastic neckline, slits on the front for arms, and a center front snap closure. The skirt is gathered into a thin waistband and closes at the side with a zip and hooks and eyes. The skirt is lined with a brown silk.
Cape and Skirt Label: A Bonnie Cashin Design / Sills and Co
Size Label: Unlabeled in both

CAPE
Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 42"
Chest: 66"
Waist: 70"
Hips: 46"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 26"

SKIRT
Approximate Measurements:
Waist: 24"
Hips: 34"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 26"

THE SECOND
This group comes with a coat, copy of a sketch of the coat, and pattern of the coat.

The copy of the sketch features the front and back of a design that is very similar to the coat in this group. The copy of the sketch features the signature of "Bonnie Cashin" and the message: "Soft tough leather is my all day standby for marketing, errands, and picking up Jon on the 6:15 this one brief and bright - and pocketed all around."

The pattern is made of nine pieces.

Dark brown suede coat featuring a purse sewn into the design on the right hip. The coat is cut with a stand collar, long sleeves, and a center front button closure. The coat is lined with plush.
Label: A Bonnie Cashin Design / Sills and Co

COAT
Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 18"
Chest: 40"
Waist: 40"
Hips: 41"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 26.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30.5"

THE THIRD
Teal jersey wrap dress trimmed with blue suede and cut with a gathered back, pocket over each hip, and a leather belt that is attached to the center back waistline.
Label: A Bonnie Cashin Design / Sills and Co
Size Label: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 28"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 34"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 43.5"

Property of the Missouri Historical Society, sold to benefit Acquisitions and Conservation

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition of the cape is good with no condition issues outside of being wrinkled. The overall condition of the skirt is fair with some wear/marks on the waistline from hanger marks. The glue holding the hem of the skirt has failed. The skirt is also very wrinkled. The condition of the copy of the sketch, photograph, and pattern are good.

THE SECOND
The overall condition of the coat is poor and is presented as an archive piece only as wearing the item would damage the piece. There are multiple issues, including overall fading, splits in the leather on both the left and right shoulder, small brown/black marks all over. The pattern and the copy of the sketch are in good condition.

THE THIRD
The overall structure of the dress is good with no holes in the knit, but there are several popped stitches around the leather edging where it is attached to the jersey.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Summer Fashion & Accessories

Bonnie Cashin Cape and Skirt, Dress, Coat, Photograph, Two Sketches, Two Patterns, 1960s

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