Stunning 1960s George Halley Bright Gold Metallic Puffed Quilted Silk Brocade Tent Coat

George Halley started at Charles James who said of the young designer that he 'was a genius at draping'. By the time Halley opened his own atelier in 1966 he was well on his way to fame. He won the Coty Award in 1968 and his work is on par with couture. He is one of my personal favorite designers. In 2015 I included him in my list of: The 10 Designers to Add to Your Vintage Collection' for Harper's Bazaar, saying; 'If you want old school glamour and to feel like Hollywood royalty, look to this under-the-radar label outside of vintage circles... A Coty Award winner in 1968, Halley was one of the great American Couturiers and his work always feels grand and elegant. Think polished silk and fused velvet's and embellishments that have a touch of the Grand Old South to them. Silhouettes to look for are his sweeping ball gowns and hostess gowns. Rich fabrics and rich colors are used with a master's hand. Feathers, crystals, hand painted fabrics and fine workmanship are all things to expect from a George Halley gown. Slipping one on instantly makes a girl feel special and important. These are the showpieces and while you should expect to pay for the quality and beauty of what you get they are absolute jewels'. The best of his work are the pieces that show his love for Old Hollywood glamour combined with his love for over-the-top opulence. Women's Wear Daily called him 'a designer in a lovely world of his own'.

Finding one of his evening coats is a bit of a treat and this particular one is a stunner. It is made of a metallic silk brocade that has a triangle pattern worked through the fabric using two different tones of the metallic yellow gold it is finished in. The design combines a more matte, less bright version of the fabric with the more metallic and brighter finish. The effect that this creates is dramatic and very beautiful. The coat almost has a foil feel to it but it soft to the touch. The triangles are quilted and stitched around their sides and they have a puffed feel to them for a bit of a 3D effect. It is cut in the classic lines of the time period with a simple high rounded collar and straight sleeves that are slightly cropped. The body of the coat skims over the bust then flares out to the hem in a classic tent shape. Pockets lie on a slant along the front and they are hidden along the design so at first you do not see them. Quite clever. I love how the back of the coat has that wide angled shape to it that is so beautiful. Matching buttons run down the front to close. Very chic and the perfect refined pop of colour. Excellent condition with one note below

Fully lined in a matching gold satin. The buttons holes are properly finished along the front. Pockets at the front. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. The bottom button looks like the top of it fell off and a bit of the fabric was glued on to compensate. Please see the photo after the label shot. 

Sleeves: 19.5"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: widens out to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C573

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