20's Gangster Chic?

Tag from 1920's Cape. Sarara Vintage.

Finding this amazing cape in crepe with stunning embroidered details was a highlight. However; as I dug deeper into the maker, I came across the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.  The cape itself has a tag stating Blackstone Shop, millinery gown, Chicago.  After finding no shops existing under this name, I found that the infamous Blackstone Hotel had a barbershop and I began to wonder if it had a millinery shop.  I still have no positive confirmation on that but will keep digging! The clue might be in the way Blackstone is written with the B and K... there may be similarities.

1920's Crepe Cape. Sarara Vintage.

The Blackstone hotel was built between 1908-1910 and is actually still taking guests today. After a long history which includes, being part of the very first Chicago gangster crime convention held in 1931 by Charles Lucky Luciano and frequented by famous stars,presidents and by Al Capone, it still stands today.  Falling into disrepair at one point, it was restored/reopened in 2008 and is run today right off the magnificent mile! See more on the history: Chicago History Journal.

Blackstone Hotel Lobby, after renovation. Blackstone Hotel


See Architectural images and history at: http://www.lucienlagrange.com/portfolio/project/the_blackstone_hotel/

You can probably see why I deviated from the search for the shop, to the Blackstone itself! Historical affiliation or not the hotel itself is amazing!  The history and architecture inspirational.  As for the cape it does captures that moment in design. Its lovely details circa the late teens -1920's also capture one's imagination.  All you need now is to wear the cape to an evening event at the hotel and your set.  Whether for inspiration, wear, bridal or evening this is an amazing piece of fashion history is piece I wanted to share with you!