Vintage 50s Couture Evening Coat Red Silk Brocatelle Sz M

This is an exceptional 50s-60s era evening coat made by Montreal couturier Norbert Niewelt.  I’ve been able to find very little about Niewelt other than Niewelt was active during the 1950s and Mario di Nardo, a respected Canadian designer of the 1950s and 60s learned “European couture” while apprenticing with Norbert Niewelt for one year.  Examples of Niewelt’s work are part of the fashion collection of the McCord Museum in Montreal.

This evening coat is beautifully hand sewn using high quality red silk brocatelle fabric - brocatelle is a type of jacquard woven brocade fabric with raised detail.  The evening coat has above the wrist length raglan style sleeves with a standing band collar and is cut with flare to the hemline - note the construction of the upper back as part of the sleeves.  There is a pocket built into either side.  The evening coat does up with an inner strap and a loop affixed to the left edge of the opening - the right side simply overlaps the left.  It is fully lined in red silk. 

Age: late 1950s or early 60s

Label: Norbert Niewelt Montreal

Color: Red

Sizing: No size is indicated as this was custom made, but this should fit a medium size - please note the following measurements for fit:

Sleeves:  29” from the mid-neck, along the shoulder to the end of the sleeve

Bust: 44” around, taken under the arm openings 

Waist: 45”  around

Hemline:  62”

Overall length: 41” at the front, measured flat, and 59” at the back

Condition:  It is in very clean condition with no wear, tear, soiling or staining - this evening coat is very well preserved. 

This is an excellent quality evening coat that was created for one of Montreal’s social elite - wonderful addition to a collection of Canadian fashion!