Circa 1935-1940

France

Stunning petrol-blue velvet panne coat dress, printed and stenciled by Becker Fils in Paris, dating from the late 1930s. Long, double-breasted wrap dress with press stud fastening and small square neckline. Theatrical effect created by the Cubist shoulders with their conical volume stenciled with Art Deco motifs in shades of orange, rust and silver. The motifs are echoed in three bands on the forearms and on the front of the skirt, which is finely pleated at the waist. No lining and label indicating marque déposée, Becker Fils Paris. The velvet is a little marked, notably by discreet marks on the back, the only flaw to be noted. No stains or holes. Good general condition in terms of colour and conservation.

Dimensions: French size 39-40. Height 143 cm, Shoulders 36 cm, Sleeves 70 cm, Chest 91 cm, Waist 85 cm, Hips 103 cm.

Becker Fils in Paris was a couturier who followed the inventions of the major haute couture brands in Paris in the 1930s and 1940s. The stencil-printed paintwork was inspired by the House of Gallenga and the famous Mariano Fortuny. The dramatic cut of the shoulders recalls Jeanne Lanvin's creations, with their constructivist scope from the Cubist and Surrealist periods.