SASSAFRAS

Crafted from an authentic American carriage blanket dating between 1890 and 1930, SASSAFRAS is a one-of-a-kind Nomadic Reign Couture creation. Bearing its individual serial number and artist's signature, this heirloom garment preserves a remarkable piece of American textile history. Originally woven to provide warmth and protection for horse-drawn travel during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, these blankets have become increasingly rare. Through thoughtful restoration and master craftsmanship, their stories are carried forward into wearable works of art.

Named SASSAFRAS, this extraordinary creation celebrates the quiet beauty of the American landscape. Like the native tree that inspired its name—long admired for its resilience, graceful form, and ever-changing beauty—it evokes a sense of renewal, steadfastness, and a life lived in harmony with the land. Rich in color and symbolism, the coat reflects the enduring relationship between horse, nature, and the timeless rhythms of the countryside.

At the heart of the historic blanket stands the gentle portrait of a beautifully dappled horse in warm shades of caramel and buttery cream, emerging from a flourishing garden of crimson roses beneath the shelter of an ancient tree. Rolling emerald hills stretch softly into the distance, while delicate wildflowers bloom beneath its gaze, creating a pastoral scene filled with quiet serenity and enduring grace.

The horse has been painstakingly hand-embellished with genuine gemstones, each thoughtfully placed to illuminate the contours of its face, flowing mane, bridle, and surrounding floral motifs while catching the light with every movement. Natural tiger eye, jasper, onyx, and quartz introduce remarkable depth and warmth, while a fossilized ammonite shell rests at the center of the bridle—a quiet reminder of landscapes and histories that long predate our own, beautifully connecting the garment to the enduring passage of time.

Its original eye from the historic blanket has been meticulously preserved, lending the portrait an extraordinary sense of life while honoring one of the textile's most remarkable surviving details.

The reverse of the coat allows the historic blanket to speak with remarkable simplicity. Expanses of lush green meadow, delicate buttercups, and softly layered hills create an atmosphere of peaceful stillness, allowing the horse to remain the undeniable focal point while celebrating the remarkable artistry woven into the original textile.

The sleeves are fashioned from the original black wool of the antique blanket, creating elegant contrast against the vibrant pastoral landscape. Sumptuous caramel and ivory Mongolian lambswool frames the collar, cuffs, and full hemline, introducing exceptional softness while beautifully echoing the warm tones of the horse itself. Beneath the collar, the original blanket continues uninterrupted, preserving another authentic element of the historic textile.

A beautifully aged vintage braid traces the front opening with understated elegance, while a hand-crafted exterior pocket fashioned from the original blanket is thoughtfully incorporated into the left front panel. The gemstone embellishment extends gracefully from the reverse onto the front of the garment, creating a subtle sense of continuity throughout the design.

The interior is equally refined. Rich Greek key burnout silk lines the garment, introducing depth, texture, and quiet sophistication. Deep crimson velvet frames the interior front facings, adding warmth and richness, while vintage tassel fringe adorns the lower lining with graceful movement and another remarkable piece of historic textile artistry. Hidden silk-lined pockets are thoughtfully incorporated into the design, and discreet hook-and-eye closures preserve the uninterrupted beauty of the antique carriage blanket.

Every Nomadic Reign Couture creation is entirely one of one. No two historic textiles are ever alike, ensuring that SASSAFRAS can never be replicated. Rich in history, artistry, and exceptional craftsmanship, this extraordinary creation celebrates the quiet poetry of the American countryside and the timeless companionship between horse and nature. Like the remarkable tree that inspired its name, SASSAFRAS stands as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and beauty carried gracefully through the generations.

*We offer custom alterations

*Trim is included in measurements