Coat

Charles James

1951 · wool · Costume Institute

The great art patron and collector Dominique de Menil was among James’s most loyal clients. To what was for him a surprisingly traditional swing coat he added a charming innovation for her: an asymmetrical collar. The collar was cut narrow at the left and fanned wider at the right, specifically so that Mrs. de Menil could raise it as she disembarked a plane, to protect her face from the wind generated by the propellers. The coat shown here was made for another couture client.

Artist

Charles James

Date

1951

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Costume Institute Benefit Fund, Friends of The Costume Institute Gifts, and Acquisitions Fund, 2013