Mrs John Guinness wore this elegant, understated jacket as part of an evening ensemble. The designer, Jeanne Lanvin, has clearly taken inspiration from Japan. The kimono-style sleeves are cut in one and the jacket wraps over asymmetrically to fasten at the waistline and collar with brass buttons. Parallel rows of machine top-stitching cover the entire garment, emphasising its linear cut. Two lines of top-stitching run diagonally from shoulder seams to front edges giving the appearance of a separate collar.

Jeanne Lanvin was born in Brittany. In 1890 she opened her millinery shop on the rue Faubourg Saint Honoré and attracted a large clientele. Lanvin maintained that the exquisite embroideries for which her house became famous were the foundations of her collections. Her inspiration and choice of colours often came from nature or works of art.