Tibetan/Mongolian Lamb Coat by Louis DEll'olio for Neiman Marcus M/LG

Rock and Roll Chic by Louis Dell'olio for Neiman Marcus

In my book I have a chapter on defining vintage. My definition has no hard and fast rules, nor does it have a strict cut off time as far as age goes. I see vintage as fashions of note that have come and gone, yet are worthy of resurrection.

This amazing Dell'olio Tibetan/Mongolian fur stroller is little more than a decade old but for me it is well worthy of reviving. At the end of the 1990s Dell'olio furs were celebrated for their innovative style and unusual combinations. This one is over the top, pure Glam-Rock..... long, lush and silky, natural Tibetan lamb make up the body of the coat which has an enormous, I mean ENORMOUS hood. The hood is lined in what I believe to be brown squirrel. When the hood is down it drapes the shoulders like a large collar. The contrast of the two furs is a lovely design element. The squirrel fur is also used to line the inside facings. The coat closes with the most unusual snaps. Dell'olio used crochet toggles reminiscent of those used on antique furs and added a large snap to the end, just one more fabulous detail. The inside lining is brown silk. There are two deep side pockets that are lined in the softest velvet and a small inner-lining pocket.

I photographed it belted and unbelted so you might see the different effects. The belt in my picture is not included but any fabulous wide belt would look good. I'd love to see a really wide patent leather belt with it, maybe in an unexpected color.

The size is a generous medium or smallish large. I really think this coat needs a taller frame. If you are under 5'5" I think it will overwhelm you. Someone shorter might be able to carry it off if they wear really high heels but they should have a strong shoulder line. Measurements are as follows, keep in mind this is a coat so you should allow for plenty of ease also please note sleeve length.

Shoulder to shoulder seam just a smidge over 18" (should fit a 16" shoulder but not less than that)
Chest, depending on how you close the coat 42"- 46"
Length from shoulder to hem edge of fur 34"
Sleeves 21"- 22" long to the edge of the fur fringe (on the short side but long gloves would take care of that)

Excellent Condition - fur is silky and skins are soft and pliable. Not a blemish anywhere to be seen.