Coty Award winner Clare Potter often flies under the radar of vintage afficianados. It's hard to imagine why. She is, along with Claire McCardell and Tina Lesser, thought of as one of the true pioneers of modern American sportswear design. (There are more pioneers, but we can discuss them later.)

The '30s and '40s saw the apex of her career. Potter's design style was discreet and sophisticated offering simple textures and basic colors as seen in the assured-styling of this sharp black coat from the 1950s.

The coat is made of a nicely weighted hopsack fabric. If you're not familiar with it, I tend to think of it as linen, but without all the possibilities for wrinkled mess. It's sturdy and fluid at the same time. Then, we have these delightful pops of mauve-ish pink faille that adorn the collar and cuffs. The besom button holes are amazing, each one bound in more of that flirty pink color. A quick flash of the lining and the jacket takes on a breath of Spring as it, too, seems to blush from within.

There are other details worth noting. The coat has four patch pockets (wouldn't one look cute with a pocket square?) and a terrific back yoke seam that adds refinement.

If you like designer vintage, there's not much to quibble with when you're wearing Clare Potter. She designed things well and it shows.

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Condition:
No flaws.
Era: 1950s

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Designer/Label: Clare Potter

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Color: Black and rosy pink
Fabric: Hopsack, faille and probably silk lining...not positive that's silk.
Fabric Notes: 
This is even hand finished. It's good.

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Size: M-L
Measurements: Bust  = 42 " Waist  = 40 " Hip  = 44 " Shoulder  = 16 " Sleeve  = 20 " Length  = 43 " Additional Notes  = cuffs turn back 3 total on sleeve with cuff rolled down is 23 "