IT 42: Best for a Women's UK 10/US 6ora UK 12/US 8. Can also fit a Men's IT 44 - 34 Chest - XS.
Burberry Prorsum short military blouson from A/W 2003-2004. In excellent used condition. Made in Italy.
A/W 2003-2004 was Christopher Bailey's second winter collection for Burberry. Sarah Mower writes:
'At the age of 30, Christopher Bailey is the creative director of one of the largest and most broadly based fashion brands in the world. He shoulders the responsibility for making Burberry’s many product lines both cool enough for hipsters and classic enough for conservatives, a balancing act that he carries out with almost preternatural maturity. Yet his being only 30 may explain why his Fall collection for Burberry Prorsum, the house’s designer collection, was shot through with flashbacks to the 1980s. He is, after all, a child of that decade.'
In this instance, Bailey has appropriated a conservative design from the Burberry archives, updating its proportions and details to create a beautiful piece that sits somewhere between contemporary and vintage, while maintaining an exceptional level of craftsmanship. Although this rare piece did not appear on the runway, similar designs can be observed on the A/W and S/S 2003 shows (pictured). Needless to say, pieces from Bailey's first collections for Burberry were produced in very limited quantities.
The jacket is crafted from pure camel hair, a luxurious fabric with a smooth fleecy texture and soft drape. Such fabrics are rarely found in non-traditional designer clothing due to their high cost. Like many of the collection's short jackets, the detailing is 1980's-inspired, with a double-breasted closure that leads up to a buttoned funnel neck. Ornate epaulettes on the shoulders create militaristic charm while buttoned tabs on the cuffs and waist add simple detail. The cut is sharp and flattering with narrow shoulders and a fitted body with an intricately panelled construction that closely follows the contours of the female torso.
The details and finishing of this piece are exemplary and this is evident upon a closer inspection: The chunky buttons on the front are made from genuine buffalo horn in a beautiful light shade and are engraved with a subtle Burberry logo. The waist features buttoned pockets with curvilinear flaps, while the upper back has a retro triangular yoke. A luscious cupro/viscose sateen lines the interior. There is an abundance of hand stitches, and the shoulders are hand-tailored like traditional menswear.
Timeless and versatile, this rare jacket demonstrates Christopher Bailey's effortless take on Burberry's venerable heritage. Its casual aesthetic in combination with the luxurious camel fabric will make it an everyday essential for fall.
