Anna Molinari and husband Gianpaolo Tarabini launched the Blumarine label in 1977 out of Capri and had their first catwalk show in 1980. By the 1990s they had opened their first stand alone shop. For the Autumn-Winter show of 2000-2001, they launched the special 'ultra-luxe cardigan', a unique one-off item with diamonds and pearls embroidered on the handcuffs, which became famous all over the world. This jacket an extension of that first ultra-lux cardigan idea and comes from just a couple of seasons later. My client originally paid just under $5000 for this when it was first issued.
The jacket is extraordinary. It is covered extensively in heavy, real metal discs, silver metal sequins and silver rings that are all hand applied onto the jacket. Carved squares and triangle beads that look to be mother of pearl are set in and among the silver. Fragments of shells created a 3D border around the pocket areas and everything is set on a ivory silk brocade. This gives the jacket a warm ivory tone and picks up the ivory and richness of the MOP and shells. The silver is muted and I love that there are little red tube beads interspersed though the design for the tiniest pop of color and even some prong set rhinestones in the mix. It hooks to close at the neck, highlighting the densely embellished collar, and then is open down the front under that. The cut has been kept simple so that the embellishment can take center stage. The sleeves are cut long and straight and the jacket is also cut straight and loose through the body. Big pockets sit on each hip and these have also been completely covered. It is heavy, but once on it feel perfectly balanced. I love how the bottom edge has the metal sequins trickling down over the silk underneath instead of ending in a solid finish of silver. It is just one more elaborate and special detail on a piece that is already ever so special. It is wonderful and far better in person then how it photoed. The overall feel is richer and more luminescent then how the camera could ever capture it. Excellent condition
Fully lined in a cotton muslin and closes with one hook at the neck. There may be the occasional metal sequin missing but nothing that leaves an super noticeable bare spot. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. The pockets has been hand tacked . Hand work throughout. The easy loose cut and drop shoulder design will allow it to fit a range of sizes. Tagged an IT40
Sleeves: 18" from dropped shoulder seam
Dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 35" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# C508
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
