Vintage 1980s Iconic green Mansfield coat ultimate fit & flare coat dramatic huge shoulders mutton sleeves Edwardian riding mistress imspired long cashmere wool faux fur
This is class. Please appreciate, and read thoroughly so you understand what you are looking at.
If you are looking for that fit and flare coat that has drama, elegance, power AND luxury quality and cut that oozes class, then look no further this is it. Mansfield did this coat mid 1980s and it caused a sensation with them selling out very swiftly. They did them in a variety of colours, a navy, a deep plum, a burgundy and a dark green. This is the dark green version. A combination of power and new romantic spirit, it has a wonderful Edwardian feel. Slightly on the big side for me as I am a UK 8 (though would still wear it) so excuse the modelling but would be better on a size 10. Some of the pics are a size 12 as I did have several, but now just the one size 8 to 10 left. But note it is meant to be big on top as that's the style with the huge shoulders and mouton sleeves giving that dramatic shape as it follows your curves then down to the waist such beautiful streamline feminine cut.
This Mansfield label exquisite coat was a sell out sensation in the mid 1980s when it went on sale and retailed then at around £400; mannequins soon being stripped within weeks and selling at a premium among the public. And no wonder. It is probably the finest coat ever to grace department stores. Not surprising the designer the late Frank Russell was called 'King of Coats'.
The label was that of designer Frank Russell whose career in the rag trade began being Jewish, as lookout watching for trouble from Oswald Mosely's fascists in the East End of London for his father's tailoring workshop. He was also an amateur boxer when young. He served as a radio operator in WWII and saw action in North Africa Italy and Western Europe. During this time he learned several languages which served him well in his business activities later and would grow Frank Russell into the renowned Mansfield label. By the 1970s he was known as 'The King of Coats' and the company won an award & accolades for being among the leading British clothing exporters, Princess Diana being among the patrons.
The two distinctive buttons on the waist distinguishing it from copies by other designers who rushed to copy it , and earlier and later Mansfield styles; that is if you can't see from the cut, which I know some discerning clients will. It is made in a fine blend of cashmere and wool with luxury quality immaculate densse sleek faux fur collar and cuffs that are removable with hidden velcro strips. So it's also a sensual luxurious delight. A breathtakingly beautiful style, the shape reminiscent of Edwardian/1940s dramatic cut. The ultimate feminine flattering fit & flare glamour, this is a truly iconic style with the power shoulders, and the current revival in leg of mutton sleeves making it ooze contemporary chic. Take a look at the darting that brings the sleeves back in to the cuffs after all that romantic billowing, and the structure of the shoulders design from the back. This is truly an exquisite coat such wonderful craftsmanship.
I am a size UK 8, this is ideally for a UK 10. Though may be fine for a UK size 12 as long as the waist is ok for you. The measurements are roomy top and hips, but the waist is 34 inches (bust 40 inches, hips 40 inches.
This is not a coat for a shrinking violet: it is femme fatale power. The first time I saw it, was in the Chelsea hotel in Sloane street 1980s, where I was ensconced in my leather chair munching on the free beautiful nibbles they used to do, and a glass of champagne kir. Sounds expensive but it wasn't...believe me those free deluxe nibbles meant you saved on having dinner and was a lovely cosy atmosphere. I was only visiting the UK then (my brother lived here). In walked a sensational lady in this coat. She had it open, and the coat flared out behind her yet still fitted her waist in a streamline shape. Elegance personified, sheer class (well Princess Diana wore Mansfield) the essence of feminine glamour, and yet...those huge shoulders and sleeves....such power with it. And she didn't take it off at the bar where she held court with three gents also very well dressed. They looked like they should have been in a magazine tbh all four, but the lady was mesmerizing and she knew how to work that coat. I had to ask where it was from, told her I thought was sensational and she smiled and said they had just been launched, and that they sold them in Harrods, where it turned out all four worked. I had a fun evening with them though had to get back early as I was staying at my brother's in London so couldn't be late. I recall next day going to Brent cross, and it was just getting dark and there they were in the window of a Department store there, all lit up including with backlights to show off the sensational shape. But I couldn't afford, and by the time I had saved up, they had sold out.
It was 20 years later before I got one, vintage. It really is a must have for the vintage vamp's wardrobe. I buy them when I can, to share my passion for beautiful vintage clothes that can take you anywhere, Mansfield, and particular, this coat. Which is their piece de resistance imho. And from the 'King of Coats' at that. Made to last and has; no flaws.
The 'Spirit of the Age and Garment' song for this coat I have chosen 'Love and Pride' by King which reached number 2 in the UK charts in 1985, also had a spirit of new romance, and I think this coat came out either late 1985 or poss Autumn/winter 1986/87 can't quite remember, but we'd have been dancing to it whatever! And it is a tale of two Kings as explained Frank Russell was the 'King of Coats' , and a princess: Diana wore the Mansfield label.
Seriously. don't even think about it, if the coat is likely a fit, don't spend the next 20 years looking for one like I did. This is British coat making at its finest, and that edgy glamour too. This is a coat for a vamp with finesse, and gives you a silhouette that makes guys walk into lamp-posts to this day. I am only 5ft 5 ins but I feel 6ft 5ins in this coat. Yes I have kept mine. And I am pushing 60 so imagine what it can do for you. But you have to want this, treasure her, and wear her with the swagger and confidence she deserves; or who knows, maybe if lacking in that department it will empower and enable you. Release your inner femme fatale.