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Bonnie Cashin singlehandedly made leather an acceptable, if not thoroughly chic, material for proper clothing in the 50s. Not because she was some biker mama but because she knew that leather could stop wind dead in its tracks and it was durable as anything. Cashin was nothing if not practical, you see, and if it looked good but didn't perform, she wasn't interested. She was also adamant about getting her way. In the 60s, when Philip Sills suggested that Bonnie split her ponchos open and put in fasteners along the placket because women would not want to mess their hair, she stood her ground and refused. The world came around and women with long hair didn't mind pulling on outerwear over their heads. She put purses on the linings of coats and backpacks on the backs of jackets but she also designed some of the most fantastic handbags you'll ever own. Her exquisite sense of propriety in fashion and her down-to-Earth sensibilities make her the ultimate thinking woman's designer; a real woman's woman. A leather suit? Maybe nothing noteworthy these days but back then? Very progressive. Sand lamb leather cut into a band-collared jacket and full skirt. Fastening along the placket with prong closures, the seams are angled so they form a slit pocket on either side of the navel, looking very smart when you have your hands tucked. The skirt fastens at the side with a snap and hidden zipper and, of course, has deep pockets on both sides. We love the jacket worn open to reveal a hooded Bonnie Cashin bodysuit underneath and a skinny shoestring leather belt from Moo Moo Leatherworks in Brooklyn. Made for Sills, both pieces are lined in silk crepe de chine. Bust measures up to 40", shoulder to shoulder 16", outer sleeve 20" and length 28". Skirt has a 31.5" waist, 38" hips and is 22.5" long. Both pieces are in excellent condition. $520.00 |
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