Woman's shoulder evening cape made from monkey fur lined in silk satin, probably made in England, ca. 1920-1930

Woman's short shoulder evening cape made from black long-haired monkey fur of the Colobus monkey lined in black silk satin. Waist length shaped to fit over the shoulder and is slightly flared. With a high round neck. There is a pleated frill of striped ciré and grosgrain ribbon at the neck with two long tying strings. The cape fastens with black silk covered hooks and eyes at the front.

Purchase.

RF number is 1966/2686.

This was worn by Miss Emilie Grigsby (1876-1964) who was a wealthy independent American who came to England from New York. She established a salon which was frequented by writers and the military. She was considered to be one of the great international beauties, with extremely pale, almost transparent skin and golden hair. She was frequently the subject of articles in the New York Times during the early 20th century. Her clothes were purchased from couturiers in London, Paris, and New York, and demonstrated an elegantly avant-garde approach to style.

T.226-1967