Monday, September 30, 2013

Antonio Castillo for Elizabeth Arden Coat

Castillo for Elizabeth Arden coat and suit pictured for Vogue magazine, Nov. 1, 1947

I am deeply indebted to Monica D. Murgia for her in-depth research about Antonio Castillo and the few short years he worked for Elizabeth Arden.  I highly recommend you read her blog post about the collaboration between Castillo and Arden to understand how special the coat I am going to show you today is.

Antonio Castillo worked for Elizabeth Arden from October, 1945 until 1950 when he left to join the House of Lanvin.  He produced couture garments for the clientele at the Arden salon exclusively until the Fall of 1949, when his first ready-to-wear collection was produced and sold wholesale to leading department stores like Neiman Marcus and I. Magnin.

Castillo for Elizabeth Arden 1947 couture coat at Couture Allure.

It is my pleasure to present this couture coat from Castillo for Elizabeth Arden from the Fall 1947 collection.  The coat is made from navy and black striped silk ottoman and features hand finishing and couture construction throughout.  While not perfect, this is a rare and very special example of American couture and is now available at Couture Allure.