Vintage 1950s Black Wool Coat Haute Couture Frank Oujezdsky Montreal Ladies S

This is a fabulous quality black wool coat made by Montreal couturier Frank Oujezdsky.  Oujezdsky catered to Montreal socialites and is also noted for having made dresses for Gerda Munsinger, the central character in a Canadian spy and sex scandal involving government ministers during the early 1960s.

I believe that this coat dates to the late 1950s. It is a beautifully made with high quality materials.  The edges of the collar, cuffs, hem and upper opening are all scalloped and trimmed with a sparkly rickrack - I’m unsure what this material is exactly.  The coat does up the upper front with five buttons that are studded with black glass rhinestones.  The shoulders are padded, the sleeves are cut full with a flare to the cuff and the body of the coat flares to the hemline.  There is a slash pocket built into either side.  The coat is lined in a black satin fabric that has a red and blue band woven with a floral motif accented in metallic gold.  The coat is entirely hand finished - this is a high quality garment. 

Fabric: Exceptionally good quality black wool, possibly a cashmere blend, in a thicker gauge, suitable for winter wear.  Being Canadian made, where winters are very cold, this coat should provide good warmth. 

Sizing: This will fit a small size, but please rely on the following measurements for fit, taken from the exterior, noting the style of the coat:

Shoulders:  14 1/2” across from shoulder/sleeve seam to shoulder/sleeve seam

Sleeves:  23” from the shoulder/sleeve seam

Sleeve inseam:  16”

Bust:  34” around 

Waist:  31” around

Hips:  36” around

Hemline:  97” around

Length:  45”, measured flat 

Condition:  This coat is in very good condition except for wear spots to the wool below three of the buttonholes (see last close-up photo) - the wear is hidden when the buttons are done up.  I would just stitch the areas to avoid further wear.  Otherwise, the coat is in great condition with no other signs of wear, tear, staining or odour.

This is a beautiful coat - very attractive design with an elegance that is sure to be noticed.  Great piece for the student of Canadian fashion history - Oujezdsky obviously created beautiful clothing!