WAPITI

This exquisite one-of-a-kind coat is crafted from a vintage Italian velvet tapestry, capturing the regal beauty of nature through its rich imagery and intricate detailing. The centerpiece of the coat is the magnificent scene on the back, where a powerful elk, or wapiti, stands majestically beside a bubbling creek. His commanding presence is emphasized by the span of his immense antlers and the wisdom in his gaze, symbolizing strength and resilience. Set against the backdrop of what could be the vast open plains of Saskatchewan under a brilliant blue sky, the elk appears to be returning to the valley as the landscape begins to flourish with greenery and new life in the spring.

The hem of the coat features an elegant seashell or scroll pattern that encircles the entire base, lending a sense of continuity and flow to the design. Attached to the bottom is a luxurious silk tassel trim, intricately designed to enhance the coat’s opulent feel. The sleeves continue the scroll and seashell motif, while the cuffs and collar are made from rich chocolate fox fur, adding warmth and texture to this remarkable garment.

The front of the coat reveals an equally captivating scene of dense forests and flourishing foliage. Blossoms and berries spring forth, symbolizing growth and renewal, while the deeper sections of the creek wind through this sacred ground. The vivid tapestry evokes a sense of timeless beauty, as if the wearer is wrapped in the vibrant energy of nature itself.

The coat’s lining is made from a two-tone raw silk in creamy apricot and persimmon stripes, offering a luxurious inner layer that contrasts beautifully with the tapestry’s exterior. Flowing along the hem is a colorful tassel trim in shades of blues, teals, and pinks, adding a playful yet elegant accent to the design. The inner lining is completed with gold velvet, which also embellishes the upper folds of the coat, creating a sense of refined opulence.

The closure is as much a statement as the rest of the coat. An antique silver cloak clasp with intricate floral designs holds the coat together, featuring a stunning Czech glass blue insert that adds a touch of regal sophistication. On the upper lapel, a selection of animals—buffalo, wolf, bear, and eagle—are carved in bone and set in silver metal, framed by delicate floral patterns, a tribute to the natural world and its revered creatures.

The word “Wapiti,” meaning elk, comes from the Cree and Shawnee Native American languages, signifying "light-colored deer." In various indigenous traditions, the elk symbolizes strength and power. Folklore legends speak of the elk as a creature of stamina, sure-footedness, and endurance, teaching us to have faith in the face of adversity and to never give up hope. The presence of the elk on this coat not only highlights its beauty but also evokes the deep spiritual significance this noble animal holds across cultures.

This bespoke piece embodies the harmony between nature and artistry, creating a wearable masterpiece that speaks to both strength and elegance.