Description: The rarest fabric on earth. Vicunas were hunted almost to extinction for their hair/fur, and in 1974 were declared to be an endangered species and are now subject to strict protections and regulations as to the harvesting of their fur; as a consequence, modern vicuna coats are six to ten times more expensive than this vintage coat, or more. Vicunas live in the Andes Mountains of Peru,and are related to alpacas and llamas. Vicuna coats appear in popular culture; in the 1950 Oscar-nominated film "Sunset Boulevard," silent film star Norma Desmond goes clothes-shopping with her younger boy-toy, played by William Holden, and the salesman whispers to him that "as long as the lady is paying," he should get the vicuna coat, not camel hair. In 2016, a Forstmann vicuna coat owned by the divine actress Mae West was auctioned off from her estate. See the links below. Forstmann coats are of the highest quality craftsmanship and materials, as evident here. Photo #8 shows small tears in the lining at the top of the coat, on either side of the fabric loop meant for hanging the coat, probably a result of the weight of the coat pulling on the hanging loop [it's not recommended to use these loops but to hang coats on a hanger].Moth nibbles are visible on the cuff shown in photo 9; the last photo shows the generous 1 and 3/4-inch hem in the coat. No size tag. Measurements: length 46 inches; shoulder 17.5 inches; sleeve 24 inches; pit to pit 22 inches. I put this at a size large or extra large. Shipped free and fully insured. From a smoke-free, dog-loving home. Your questions welcomed. https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/movie-tv-memorabilia/costumes/a-mae-west-wool-coat-circa-1960s/a/7144-89158.s https://clip.cafe/sunset-blvd-1950/well-long-the-ladys-paying-it-why-not-take-the-vicuna/
Price: 2600 USD
Location: Pasadena, California
End Time: 2025-01-06T04:04:08.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Forstmann
Size Type: Regular
Decade: 1950s
Color: Beige
Style: Coat
Material: vicuna
Look: Tailored
Size (Women's): estimated L / XL
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States