2015 Julien MacDonald Runway Showpiece Chain Mail Jacket
The British Crown Jewels served as Julien Macdonald’s starting point for his Fall 2015 collection, inspiring him to explore the opulence and authority of Britain’s queens and other powerful women. The result was what Women’s Wear Daily called an “outré take on power dressing”; a dazzling, body-conscious display of strength and sensuality that married Macdonald’s signature glamour with a distinctly British eccentricity. The collection’s daring spirit resonated beyond the runway, most memorably when Kendall Jenner wore the dress of this design in promotional imagery for Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2015. We believe this jacket was created to accompany it.
Tailored from thick black cotton, it has a curved, body-con silhouette and panelled construction with black leather piping at the seams. What appears like beadwork is actually revealed to be silver-tone metal chains up-close. These are sewn on in tight vertical rows, precisely aligned so that they glisten in a uniform manner as they catch the light. The jacket is lined with smooth black silk for a comfortable, luxurious wear. It fastens at the front with a thick silver-tone metal zip.
This jacket is in very good to excellent condition. Please note, there is a small piece of chain missing from next to one of the black leather seams along the left side. This is not immediately apparent when worn and does not detract. There are no composition or size labels so please check the measurements below closely as this was made for the runway. We think it suitable for up to a UK 8 or US 4.
Note on the designer: Julien Macdonald OBE rose to prominence in the late 1990s. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, he was hired by Karl Lagerfeld to work at Chanel, and was later appointed chief designer at Givenchy. In 1997, Macdonald launched his eponymous label and it was here that he cemented his reputation for high-octane, couture-level craftsmanship. He was named “British Fashion Designer of the Year” at the 2001 British Fashion Awards and, in 2006, he was awarded an OBE for services to fashion. Macdonald is known for his meticulous handwork, opulent fabrics, and body-sculpting silhouettes that marry traditional techniques with unabashed sensuality. His designs, often featuring intricate beading, feather work, and lacework, have made him a red carpet favorite and a key figure in modern fashion, celebrated for reviving the spectacle and decadence of haute couture in a contemporary context.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 24 in. (61 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
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Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
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We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
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Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.