Evening coat

The 18th Amendment, or Prohibition, lasted from 1920-33, and banned the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol in the United States. In sympathy with her American clients, Schiaparelli's winter 1931-32 collection was dubbed "speakeasy," in reference to establishments that sold alcohol in secret, requesting patrons to "speak easy" when ordering drinks. This evening coat, in sumptuous "cabbage rose," a new color introduced in the winter collection, and trimmed in rich sable, features a bustle at the back that created a small shelf, a perfect place to hide a flask.