I am absolutely stunned at the lack of manners in posts about this coat!
First, it is a piece of coture history. It is representitive of an era, and the quality is impeccable.
Second, the pleats in the back are not only a design element, but many Opera Gowns of the era had full skirts (Or large bows on the back waist), thus allowing ample coat to cover the dress and not pull at the shoulders. Do your history study before you complain!
Third, details such as these were what made this whole generation exquisite; the quality of product detail was available to the home sewer through Vogue patterns. I have one of their apron patterns from approximately the same time with piecing and pleats so complex I had to study for quite a while before construction---and it fit like a glove.
It is sad that so many people today do not take the time to study how women were dressed and what social requirements were demanded of them. Exceptional clothing made the occasions, unlike the less than spectacular garments mass producted in the current era.
Brava! An exceptional work of art!

In response to puffinquilter's question about the fabric white gloves were made of *in the day* (my day too!) it is no longer available. The Pattern Studio carried what was left of it for a short time, but all the white is gone. As I recall, they were down to two colors. That fabric used to be produced here in the States, and as we all know, most fabric is produced elsewhere now.
A good heavy COTTON doubleknit will suffice, there are fabrics at chain retail stores that work; the main thing is to make your first pair, expect them to not be quite right---learn from them and go from there. You'll learn to know if a fabric has sufficient stretch,
There is also an on-line Yahoo group, the Society of Saint Anne that has some expert glove makers willing to help and share tips.
I have made several pair of gloves from commercially available patterns and am anxious to try these!