Vintage 1960s Mod Red Vinyl Cape Maria Carine Couture Guy Laroche Paris Design

This is a wonderful vintage 1960s era red vinyl cape designed by Guy Laroche and hand sewn and finished by French couturier Maria Carine - see below for more information on her.  Although pret-a-porter, the garment was entirely hand assembled.  The cape is made in a knee length with small squared collar, a slit opening at either side to allow the arms to extend out and a large pocket built below either slit.  The exterior is finished in visible seams that are arranged in a squared fashion, very mod.  It closes with a single hook and eye at the neck, and otherwise is open at the front.  It is lined in black wool fleece in order to provide warmth for the wearer.     

Label:  Guy Laroche Made in France Diffusé Par Maria Carine.

Retailer’s label:  Made in France for Ogilvy’s Montreal.  Ogilvy’s was a high end Montreal department store that sold luxury goods and fashion.

French designer Guy Laroche (1921-1989) trained with the legendary designer Jean Desses starting in 1949 and eventually becoming his assistant.  He opened his own atelier in 1957, immediately achieving success.  He was known for creating haute couture that was practical and for creating pret-a-porter that gave access to the masses to couture quality design.  

Maria Carine was born Maria Moutet-Chenu,  During the 50s she gained experience by working with Jacques Heim on ways to gain a wider clientele for his designs.  From that experience, Maria Carine then worked with four designers - Heim, Jean Desses, Guy Laroche and Lanvin-Castillo.  She would model a toile from sketches by the designers and then the ready to wear garments would be made based on the toile.  The ready to wear garments were made using the same fabrics as the couture line, and were each individually cut and hand sewn by cutters and seamstresses that were subcontracted to do so.  So, in this way, couture garments were available at a much more affordable price. (Information taken from the Couture Allure Vintage Fashion Blog, with many thanks!)

Sizing: No size is indicated, and although this should fit a range of sizes small to medium, please rely on the following measurements for fit, keeping in mind the thickness of the fabric and the cut of the garment:

Shoulders:  19” across, taken at the top seam

Bust: 50” around 

Hemline:  95” around

Length: 35” measured flat

Condition: It is in very good condition with a few light surface marks, mostly at the lower back, that I haven’t tried to remove and most likely would come out with the right treatment - very minor in any case.  There is one very tiny U shaped tear at the left side seam, again, very small and insignificant.  This cape looks like it saw little use and was well stored over the years.  

This is a wonderful 60s mod cape of very nice quality, designed by a Parisian fashion designer, and even though pret-a-porter, is basically a couture piece…..striking colour and great addition to a vintage collection....