Two Lilli Ann Coats, 1950-60s

This lot contains two coats.

Founded by Adolph Schuman in 1934, the San Francisco-based label was named for the proprietor’s wife, Lillian Brown. Lilli Ann was founded thanks to an $800 loan, enabling Schuman to transition from wholesale fashion to creating his own line of womenswear. Schuman developed key partnerships with Jean Wright and Billie Dugan, young women who began as models for the brand, and later served as pattern cutters and lead designers. Savvy in his dealings, Schuman began purchasing large quantities of fine fabrics from small European textile mills in the 1950s, helping to revitalize the French and Italian textile industries which had been decimated by the Second World War.

THE FIRST
Pink wool trimmed with fox. The coat is cut with a wide fold down collar in pink and then on top of that is another collar of fox fur and the long sleeves are cuffed with fox. There are flaps over the hips, but the pockets are in the seam. The coat closes with double-breasted self fabric-covered buttons and is lined in pink.
Label: Lilli Ann / Paris / San Francisco
Size Label: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 32"
Hips: 41"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 44"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 29"

THE SECOND
Coat of black wool with a thick pile trimmed with panels of black velvet. The coat is cut with a wide collar that fastens on the front shoulders with rhinestone buttons, long sleeves with a wide cuff, and a center front button closure.
Label: An Original Lilli Ann of San Francisco
Size Label: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Chest: 56"
Waist: 64"
Hips: 75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 46"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30"
This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:
THE FIRST
The overall structure is good though there are moth holes in various areas in the lining, especially under the pink fur collar. There are two abrasions in the pink fabric near the right hip and a small mended hole on the back left. The fur is dry and shows signs of wear and there is a 2" brown spot in the lining.
THE SECOND
The overall structure is good with some spots in the black velvet near the hip, one rhinestone is missing from the buttons, center front buttons are there but loose, several areas of the black velvet panels are crushed, some of the black lining has faded to brown, pilling under both arms, and popped stitches to the velvet panels on the back of the coat.
Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email Hindman's Couture & Luxury Accessories department with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.