Woman's coat of cashmere lined in nutria fur, designed by Henry Bridburg, London, ca. 1930

Woman's coat of beige cashmere lined in nutria fur. Mid-calf length, slightly flared with a narrow band collar faced with fur. Raglan shoulders and long straight sleeves. There are pockets at the waist with a semi-circular opening emphasised by seaming. When it hangs open the fur lining at the collar falls black in lapels.

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.229-1967