THE SECRET GARDEN

Unveil the magic of Victorian elegance with this exquisite bespoke coat, handcrafted from an antique Chase Company buggy blanket or sleigh robe, dating between 1890 and 1920. Made of premium wool, mohair, and horsehair, this coat is a celebration of timeless luxury, deeply rooted in historical craftsmanship and rich symbolism.

The front of the coat invites you into a secret garden, with an intricate Fleur-de-lis gate at the hem, evoking a medieval charm. The gate opens to reveal a lavish display of tulips, poppies, and buttercups, with vivid colors of green, pink, and yellow, lending a vibrant, painterly feel to the design. The lush garden motif extends across the front panels, and on each side of the opening, you’ll find large buttercups—symbols of friendship—adding a touch of Victorian sentimentality.

The sleeves, crafted from sleek black wool, feature eye-catching cuffs adorned with a medieval gate-inspired print. For a touch of couture refinement, the inner sleeves reveal a decadent velvet animal print that repeats in the inner hem lining, a striking combination of buttery yellows and deep browns. The collar is a dramatic flourish of hot pink dyed raccoon fur, sourced from Greece, adding both a whimsical pop of color and practical warmth. When flipped up, the collar offers a daring flair, perfect for braving the winter chill in style.

The back of the coat is an artwork in itself. It showcases exuberant bright orange roses framed by a lovely green leafy print, while segments of rich red panels evoke the feel of stained-glass windows. A feline figure—perhaps a bobcat or a garden-dwelling cat—sprawls across the midsection, hinting at the mysteries hidden within the lush, secret garden. The upper yoke is a vision of quaint garden architecture—perhaps a pergola or greenhouse—with beautiful red stained-glass motifs suggesting a serene Victorian reading room or conservatory.

Details define this coat’s unparalleled luxury: a tiny pocket graces the front, accompanied by hand-dyed and hand-woven mohair trims on the lapel. Two vintage handmade ribbon flowers in soft yellow, crafted from delicate cotton organza, sit atop the shoulder, with individual petals and stamens meticulously rolled and wired. These flowers are joined by hand-dyed wool yarn and a vibrant green ostrich feather, creating a striking, nature-inspired lapel accessory. Below the flowers is a large, antique Bakelite button, showcasing an intricate floral relief pattern. The cuffs are adorned with vintage lucite buttons, adding an extra layer of detail and refinement.

A looped trim flows gracefully down the coat’s opening, leading to a rich inner lining of fuchsia, with the hem trimmed in elaborate eyelash passementerie in shades of green, pink, gold, and wine. Burgundy rope trim runs down the inside of the jacket’s openings, adding a regal touch. The tiny pocket doubles as a pocket watch holder, complete with a woven fabric loop for securing a timepiece—an homage to Victorian practicality.

The flowers decorating this coat carry deep symbolic meaning. Buttercups, associated with childhood and friendships, represent the playful bonds of youth, while the large yellow roses are symbols of admiration and affection. This stunning bespoke piece captures the essence of a Victorian secret garden—both playful and mysterious—making it a treasure for those who value fine craftsmanship and timeless luxury.