1960s Norman Hartnell couture shocking pink velvet coat previously owned by Dame Barbara Cartland. This is an incredible example of couture British fashion from the 1960s by one of the most exalted designers of this era. This coat is from his couture line and features his late 50s to early 60s Hartnell label. He made clothes for many of the highest ranking female Royals including Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. It is made from a wonderful thick cotton velvet in the most luxurious jewel tone pink hue. It is a three quarter length coat style designed most probably as part of an ensemble. It has a central button fastening with each of the buttons covered in matching fabric sewn over the plastic button bases. It is lined in a beautiful matching silk. In overall excellent vintage condition. This piece retains the original catalogue label from when Sotheby's sold Dame Barbara's wardrobe in December 2001. It will fit around a UK size 12, US 8.

Barbara Cartland was a life long supporter of Norman Hartnell and one of his first clients. He made both her wedding and presentation gowns and was famously patronised by the female members of the British Royal family for over 40 decades until his death in 1979. Much has been said of Dame Barbara's favourite colour - a shocking pink that was championed by her in her amazing collection. This really is a glorious and wearable piece, in superb vintage condition with no faults of any note, just very gentle signs of age appropriate wear.

Provenance: Sotheby's Auction, 18 December 2001. Dame Barbara was, through her daughter Raine's marriage, a grandmother to Princess Diana and was one of the world's most prolific and successful authors. She specialised in historical romance novels writing over 700 books, which on average was one novel each fortnight. She is a Guinness Record holder for most published novels in 1976.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Waist - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Hip - 48 in. (121.9 cm)
Length - 44.5 in. (113 cm)
Shoulders - 19.5 in. (49.5 cm)