1920s House of Adair Densely Beaded Red Silk Cape
This exception 1920s cape by Adair is utterly amazing and a true work of art. The Adair atelier was based in Paris and made beaded pieces to export into the American market. The pieces were based on the Haute Couture ateliers of the day and the work was done entirely by hand. They were one step away from being couture pieces themselves but did not have the official designation by the La Chambre syndicale de la haute couture. The cape is made from a luxurious deep red silk that drapes to perfection once on. The collar is gathered and padded with a ruffled top so it stands up and frames the neck and face. This closes with a simple series of flat hooks at the front. From there the cape falls to the knee area in a cascade of silk. Onto this is a dense pattern done in a variety of glass tube beads in black, white and a silver and these absolutely pop off the red silk. It is stunning. They add the perfect bit of weight so the cape hangs perfectly. It is an absolute treasure of a find and such a rarity to find a piece this old and in this condition considering it is entirely original and so many of the pieces you see at market at this level of condition have had restoration work done to them. Excellent antique condition.
Unlined and closes at the neck with three hook & eye. I do see a small amount of beads missing here and there and a thinning of the fabric across each shoulder where I suspect it was hung at some point during its life. Please review the photos. For an original piece that is now almost 100 years old I would rate this as excellent overall condition
Length: 46" from neck to hem
Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.
Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA
Item# C438
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.
Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!
Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:
- We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
- payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
- The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
- items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit
We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.
Want it faster?
We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.
SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.