Bonnie Cashin, one of America’s foremost 20th-century designers, produced this ensemble around 1975. One of her later designs, it clearly exemplifies her penchant for clean, sleek looks in luxury fabrics, with signature details. In this case, the turnlock closures, fine leather, and narrow, straplike belt are all reminders that Cashin was a key designer for Coach bags and accessories from 1962 to 1974. Though her garments have minimal fuss, they are planned for maximum style and functionality. In this coat, a swooping side-front seam descends from the shoulder, moves around the side and across the back, and incorporates the opening to an ample curved pocket. Learn to create this pocket on a dolman-sleeve coat pattern in Threads #225 (Spring 2024) on p. 12.

Source: Chicago History Museum, ICHi-68879 (image left) and ICHi-68872 (image right)

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From Threads #225