.. I am not sure when this coat was made. I am sure it was designed by Jules-François Crahay, a man I consider to be one of the finest designers of his time.... but it could be 1960s, it could be 1980s, the design is timeless. If you had the inclination, I'm sure you could contact Lanvin Paris with the couture number (03117)and they could give you the exact time this was made. The handwritten tag says this model was called Ylang Ylang, a sweet flower from China used in perfumes. I don't know what that flower has to do with this coat, but there must be good story behind it.

The fabric is a good, warm wool. Thick, but not heavy. It is a very black black. The coat has a gentle A line cut, with long 21" slits up each leg for more expression and movement. The collar has a wonderful shape, and a dramatic point... but the most impressive details are the sail shaped pockets applied to the outside of the coat that follow the curve of the shoulder seams. The sleeves are extra long, to be worn flipped up in cuffs. The buttons are very small black plastic, totally minimalist.