Silk and crêpe coat trimmed with embroidered braid, designed by Callot Soeurs, Paris, 1922-1924

Brown silk and crêpe coat trimmed with embroidered braid laid out in vermicelli circles and heart-shaped devices on the sleeves and collar. Lined in beige silk. Unwaisted, straight and cut to hang loose and open in front. The collar is pointed and merges with a soft draping lapel. The sleeves are straight and wide.

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.149-1967