Vintage 1980s Parachute Coat New Wave Overcoat Harry Parnass - Nicola Pelly

This is an 80s Parachute coat made by designers Harry Parnass and Nicola Pelly.  Parachute was the hot label during the 1980s, worn by culture icons of the period, including David Bowie, Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran and Don Johnson (Miami Vice).  Parachute was formed in March 1978 and drew on the New Wave movement of the late 70s and 80s.  It established a chain of Parachute boutiques, the primary ones being located in Montreal, New York and Los Angeles.  The company was dissolved in 1993.  It is now the subject of an exhibit (until April 22, 2022) at the Montreal McCord Museum.

This Parachute coat is, like much of their design, androgynous in nature, however, most likely meant to be worn by a man.  It has padded shoulders, a rounded collar that can be worn up or down and closes with a visible brass snap at the neck and five hidden ones down the front.  There is a ring adjustable belt at either cuff so that you can cinch the cuff around the wrist and this Parachute coat is cut with a flare through the body to the hemline - note the box pleat down the back that widens as it moves down the coat.  There are loops for a belt, but no belt is provided.  This Parachute coat is fully lined in a black satin rayon fabric.  

Fabric:  This Parachute coat  has no content label, but this is either wool or a wool blend in a navy blue colour.

Sizing: There is no size label and although this Parachute coat should fit a large size, about a US size 42, please rely on the following measurements for fit, noting the oversized style of the coat:

Shoulders:  20” across shoulder/sleeve seams

Sleeves:  23” from the shoulder/sleeve seam

Sleeve Inseam:  18”

Chest: 53” around , 26 1/2” across pit-to-pit

Waist:  54” around

Hips:  56” around

Hemline:  72” around

Length: 48”, measured flat

Condition:  This Parachute coat is in very good condition with some light wear commensurate with having been used.  I’ve brushed the coat off, but it would benefit from a cleaning even though it isn’t soiled.  There are light wear spots on the over flap where the snaps are.  Again, note that there is no belt with this coat.  

This is a wonderful Parachute coat - iconic brand of the 80s, collectible fashion!