This jade green silk damask coat is elaborately embroidered with auspicious Chinese motifs such as peonies and phoenixes. A broad embroidered pink band outlines the hem, neck and curved opening, with the sleeves decorated with additional coloured bands. The silhouette is knee-length and loose, with broad and long sleeves; the curved front overlap fastened by toggles to one side. This coat is similar to twentieth century Qing robes worn by wealthy ladies for semi-formal occasions, and wedding robes worn by Peranakan Chinese brides.This coat belonged to the Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the industry in the first half of the twentieth century. The House of Schiaparelli opened in Paris in the 1930s and was reputed for its bold style of experimentation with colours and materials.
