The duo behind the La Mendola label met in Rome in 1960 and started their business making dresses and selling them one by one, piece by piece. In 1967 they opened a shop and women like Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth become steadfast clients who were buying, and even wait listing for pieces as they were produced. They were located in Italy and their atelier closed in 1974.

The prints that you see on the La Mendola pieces were all done in house. This one is suggestive of long feather rows and it has been screened onto a beautiful silk jersey fabric that is gorgeous and easy to wear. It is also a fabric choice that takes the colour and print of their designs exceedingly well. The set is made up of three separate pieces, a dress, a matching cape, and a turban. The dress has a simple scooped neck and an equally simple cut through the bodice and sleeves. It skims over the waist and then gradually widens out as it nears the hem. The simplicity of the design is a backdrop to how the printed fabric is set to make the the dress. You can see how beautifully it lines up at the centre seams. Over this is goes a cape made in the same fabric. The cape has soft rounded shoulders and slits at the front that you can put your arms through. It is cut to end just below the hem of the dress under it and it is a study of refinement. To tie it all together the set comes with a simple matching turban. Each piece is simple and elegant and when worn all together it makes a dramatic statement. Together they are absolutely beautiful. Excellent condition with one minor note below

All the pieces are lined in a black silk. The dress zips to close at the back and the cape closes down the front with a series of buttons. Hand finished throughout. The top button on the cape is missing its black cap that the others have as shown in the final photo

Dress
Sleeves: 24.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Cape
Shoulders: no true seams
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Turban
23" around with slight stretch 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3495

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This wonderful cape is from the Fall 1970 collection. A similar cut coat version with a shorter cape  and its twin was photoed on Francois Hardy for Vogue in 1970 and this cape has that same feel. That and the label it has tell us that it is from around that same time period. It is made of a gorgeous, deep purple wool and is cut to be fitted and sleek through the inner body. At the lower portion of the inner coat part, it flares out dramatically when you move because of two high slits that run up the hem on both sides. There are two pockets on each hip and it buttons up the front with big glossy domed buttons. This inner part is unlined so your arms are left free and easy. Over this is a wonderful and full cape that is attached around the neckline. This is cut so that it hangs longer at the center of both the front and back. There is a tin of fabric in it so that when you move you get wonderful movement from the fabric. It is a good weight and warm so practical as well. This is a very unusual and rare color that I have not seen before. Normally you see these in black or browns only. The cut is impeccable and it is a great piece of fashion history. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and buttons down the front to close. Pockets along the side hips. There is one teeny pinhole that is hidden under the cape when its on and a couple of tiny nips on the very top of the fabric near the shoulder. These are very faint. It should fit a variety of sizes

Inner bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem
Slits at the sides: 21" from hem up
Cape: to 35" from neck to longest point

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C526

Reference Photo: (1) Francoise Hardy wearing a coachman's coat with small cape by Yves Saint Laurent for Vogue, August 1st, 1970.  /  (2) Yves Saint Laurent Cape, 1969.  /  (3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture. (Cherie is also wearing a c.1997 YSL Hat - click here to shop that)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a superb cape that is made from a grey wool and is cut to be full length and will tremendous volume through the cut. The lines are easy and the weight of the wool allows it to fall from the shoulders in a swoop of fabric that falls to the floor. It is constructed from a steel grey wool that is warm and does have a decent weight to it, but is not so heavy as to be cumbersome when on. It hooks at the neck with a large hook & eye and is open below that to allow for the maximum movement.  The detailing on it is incredible - it has a hand set braided cord in two shades of grey set in an intricate pattern that follows the collar and then runs down both sides of the front. Presents as excellent condition with one note below to review

Unlined with ribbon finished interior seams and closes with a hook & eye at the neck. There are a couple of teeny nips - I have photoed them. Otherwise no issues. It has been specialty cleaned and temperature treated to Museum standards.

Length: 58" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# C448

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. (See more on Instagram)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.