Saturday 30 November 2013






This spectacular Ben Zuckerman coat, dating from the 1950's, is an absolute beauty. It is made of thick grey wool, and is what is known as a swing or clutch coat. This coat was perfect for wearing over the voluminous dresses of the day. It didn't have any closures, as the wearer would hold it closed with her hands.
This coat trimmed around the edges with a slight 'puffed' effect, also seen in the suit below. The coat also has patch pockets.
Photos courtesy of  moglow71603.

Sunday 24 November 2013







This is a Ben Zuckerman suit, in a blue and black plaid. The suit is a thick, substantial wool and would have, in all likelihood, been made at a top fabric mill.
An interesting design feature on the jacket is the trim around the opening, neckline and bottom. The material at the edge is 'puffed' and really stands out from the main body of the suit. The buttons are black, and for Ben Zuckerman are relatively plain, which I believe indicates that this suit was strictly for daytime wear, as Zuckerman suits with jewelled or beaded buttons tend to be cocktail suits.
This suit was sold at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Photos courtesy of freckles07051b3a.

 

Friday 22 November 2013


An undated Ben Zuckerman coat- Coat news- including silk.
'The Empire coat, a very strongly established fashion now. Here, it's newly sleeked, tied just under the bosom. It's life? As cocktails, weddings and little dinners. By Ben Zuckerman in Ducharne black wool and silk alpaca. $225.
This coat was modelled by Jean Patchett, a top model of the 1950's. She was born in 1927 in Maryland and arrived in New York in 1948 to begin her career as a model. She appeared on the cover of Vogue and other top fashion magazines of the era over 40 times before retiring in 1963. She died in 2002.

Friday 15 November 2013

From Vogue, 1967- American Fashion Hits- Little Black Jacket Suits.
This suit, made near the end of Ben Zuckerman's career shows the increasing youthfulness of clothing in the late 60's. Gone are the hat and gloves, and the skirt length is much shorter than in the past. The suit is made up of a single breasted jacket and straight knee-length skirt. It also has a blouse with a bow at the collar. I imagine that this blouse is sleeveless and the cuffs seen are faux- this was a feature frequently used by Chanel to reduce the bulk of blouse sleeve under the jacket.

Friday 8 November 2013


From Vogue, 15 September, 1955-
'The newest of suits, black wool suedecloth, with a straight from the shoulders dash. The jacket, double-breasted brass buttons, half belted back, is lined and scarfed with cream coloured satin. By Ben Zuckerman, misses sizes $225.'

Friday 1 November 2013


An undated (but likely 1950's) Ben Zuckerman coat, made of cloth from the Anglo Fabrics Mills.
This coat illustrates what a master tailor Ben Zuckerman was. The coat is fitted at the bodice and waist and then flares below at the hip. The plaid pattern is perfectly matched all over the coat- even matching across the sleeves and bodice. Just perfection!