………………………..Oct 09 had some incredible things, and one of my and your all time favorite jackets……Starting at the top left was a matte satin swing coat. I actually wanted it to have more swing, but “they were afraid and brought the swing down to an A-line. None the less it was a beautiful coat that could be worn DAY or NIGHT. Jac wore this coat to the theater. It really was a super coat for semi or dressier occasions. What to wear over a little black dress? A MATTE SATIN SWING COAT. Now, the sketch says it had a button out lining. I don’t remember if that came to pass,and if it did what it was?? It came in Taupe and Black….[the color in the photo is paler than what the taupe actually was]….I will jump to the bottom left. This was a suede topper coat with tonal leather trims. It came in Steel Grey and Brown….Up to this point suede was still at a reasonable price.//.The COWL top with emb. shoulder straps was a wonderful evening top…..It was made in Rayon Jersey and was avail in Black, Purple and Heather Grey. The deep cowl was suspended from the beaded straps that tapped as they came to the shoulder seam….The beads were all faceted hand sewn in different shapes and sizes. Each top had its’ own combination of colors. For instance the Grey had gunmetal black diamond and crystal stones…….The next jacket at the top left was probably the most successful “special occasion” jacket I ever did, and that is saying a lot. I had seen a necklace in a boutique, while shopping with Jac, and it caught my eye. It was two color ribbons twisted with pearls in between each twist which was stacked so it wouldn’t untwist. I though what a great detail that would make on a jacket!!!!I bought the necklace to show Elaine so they could send it to the factory or else it would have taken a lot of explaining and many trials to achieve what was relatively an easy thing to accomplish. The jacket and matching skirt were in the wonderful new SIGNATURE CREPE with the satin back. The jacket was simple. It had a jewel neckline, 3/4 sleeves [altering the sleeve length would have been a huge task if they were long], and body seams from shoulder to hem, front and back. It also had band pockets. It was the TWISTED RIBBON and PEARL detail that gave this jacket its’ magic. It was trimmed everywhere….around the neck down both fronts [it had a hook and eye closure], the sleeve hem and the band pockets…The Black jacket had Black and Ivory ribbon with Ivory pearls, and the eggplant had DTM Eggplant and Fuchsia ribbons with Fuchsia pearls…….For me it was better than Chanel……It SOLD OUT in a flash. Women with discerning eyes knew this was not to be passed up and many bought both the Black and the Eggplant….This was definitely not a matter of “need” but of DESIRE! Those who hesitated and debated too long lost out forever….There were so many on wait list that the buyers wanted more ASAP. What was happening too often now was the factory refusing the order at the same price and QVC wouldn’t agree to the new price! Elaine was right….we were making designer clothes….one and done which was not the QVC formula. We tried to make this jacket again using the same fabric but eliminating the decoration from the bottom and the pockets. The women were so excited that it was coming back….but when they saw the new version they were rightly so disappointed. For many who missed out on the original they bought it anyway, but it wasn’t nearly as successful as the gorgeous original….You just can’t go back
Hi Louis
I finally came to the date where I discovered your lovely fashions to purchase. I have two of the magnificent jackets with ribbons and pearls. I have the black jacket and a pink jacket. The pink has pink pearls with black ribbons. Was this a re-order because you don’t mention the color. I have the matching skirts too. They look as beautiful now as they did when new.
I also have the satin a-line coat you mention, except mine is olive green. Was this also a re-order?
I remember wearing the black with ribbons suit to dinner at Tavern on the Green. Wonderful memories. The suit was noticed, a few strangers remarked on it, who was the designer, etc.
I enjoy your retrospective, this should be bound into a book-
Be well, Happy Spring!
Dear Judi….does your jacket have the ribbon and pearl trim on the bottom as well as the pockets? I don’t remember it being reordered? I also don’t remember the coat being reordered in Olive?
Yes, it has the pearls and ribbons on the bottom as well as the pockets. It’s identical to the black. It was not perfectly pink but it’s gorgeous. I wish I could post a picture! Yes, I wore it with many pearl necklaces. The coat is definitely olive. You said there was no reorder so I’m mystified.
It was a reboot, not a re-order. Louis redid that concept with the ribbons and pearls, in a different fabric. I have both of the reboots, too, and am glad to have them, having missed out on the originals. I wish Louis had had his blog back then. Insider information would have been so helpful!
Thanks, Carol!
Mystery solved!
I looked in my 2010 and I didn’t see any reorders for the coat? I know the factory wouldn’t make the ribbon jacket again. I’ll recheck my books.
Louis, my first purchase and first show: the black pearl & ribbon jacket and the eggplant pearl & ribbon jacket with matching skirts! My favorite of all time. I wear them a lot especially the black and always receive compliments on how beautiful they are. I add your pearl necklaces as well because enough is never enough. Timeless!
Hi Louis,
I’m enjoying the look back, although It makes me realize that I should have appreciated you more. Ahh – those were the days. Such fabulous creations. You should be very proud of your body of work. I am someone who does not keep clothes for the most part for more than a few years and I am kicking myself now. One thing I have kept is the jacket with the ribbon and pearls. I have it in black and think it is a work of art and will always be stylish. Thank you again for so many years of wonderful designs.