Vintage Emanuel Ungaro Black Silk Velvet Beaded Jacket, 1990s

One of the most notable French designers of the 1960s alongside the likes of Cardin and Courregès, Emanuel Ungaro stood out with his loud color combinations and eccentric prints. While his designs are often lively, they take after a school of minimalist thought and tend to be practical, functional, and excellently crafted. Such is the case with this beautiful and quietly seductive 90’s jacket.

Made from a luxurious black silk velvet, this jacket is embellished with flowers and leaves made from bright beads and sparkly sequins in shades of lavender, orange, red, midnight blue, turquoise, green, and teal. The flowers and leafy stems wind their way around the body of the jacket in a playful diagonal spiral from both shoulders to the right hip at the front of the jacket, and from the right shoulder to the left hip at the back. The right arm is adorned with leaves and flowers, while the left arm is all black velvet, giving the eye something new to appreciate at each angle.

Size estimate: Medium

Measurements:

Shoulders: 16 inches

Sleeves: 25 inches

Bust: 38 inches

Waist: 34 inches

Length: 31 inches

Beginning from a simple high round collar, this elegant jacket has padded shoulders and long sleeves that reach past the wrist, lengthening the arm. The cuffs are finished with three velvet buttons at the back of each wrist, giving this jacket a more formal feel. Seven round black velvet buttons reach three quarters of the way down the jacket at center front, leaving a length of unadorned black velvet at the bottom front in a beautiful use of negative space.

Each button is adorned with a flower inside a circle made from beads, continuing the floral motif, while the tulip hem of the jacket reaches the upper thigh, further elongating the torso. A beautiful addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this jacket is the perfect choice for an evening soiree or special occasion, and can easily be paired with a chic dress or worn as part of an ensemble.

This 1990’s Ungaro jacket is fully lined in black silk and looks like it has never been worn. The front pockets still have boutique stitching to keep them closed, which may be removed at the buyer’s discretion. In excellent condition, this vintage velvet jacket has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.