SUZANI COAT #21

Each and every Suzani is one of a kind and completely unique.

Made using antique embroidery blankets sourced from ancient Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan (some that are over 100 years old), lined in genuine shearling sheepskin and trimmed in the holy grail of furs - curly Mongolian goat fur, these are the very definition of bespoke.

The owner of a Suzani coat becomes more than just it's wearer, you become the custodian to a small piece of history, of a moment in time belonging to an incredibly beautiful yet dying artistic tradition, belonging to the nomadic cultures of Central Asia.

This kind of purchase should be carefully considered and a true investment. Due to the obvious value of the materials they will absolutely hold their value and have an excellent re-sale price. However, it is our hope that a piece like this continues to be cherished throughout your long life, then eventually passed down to the next generation. 

The history of Suzani:

Suzani is a centuries old tradition made by nomadic tribes primarily in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The word Suzani roughly translates as 'needle' referencing the method of meticulous hand techniques of chain stitch or satin stitch, typically made with beautiful silk threads and painstakingly stitched onto cotton, silk or velvet base fabrics.

Suzani blankets were commonly used as bridal dowries made by the bride to be, often with the assistance of female relatives. The blankets themselves had many uses ranging from decorative to practical. To ward off the 'Evil Eye', artisans traditionally incorporated just a single purposeful stitch or design element out of place to honour the knowing that Allah creates everything in total perfection. This was thought to draw away the attention of evil spirits and serve to protect both the tapestry and it's owners. Perhaps my favourite part is that each blanket is deeply imbued with symbolism that acts to protect and enrich it's owner. Symbols range from themes of mysticism, fertility, prosperity or protection from negative energies. 

• Pomegranates - A fruit containing many seeds symbolise fertility, abundance & prosperity.
• Birds - Represent a wish for happiness, joy and spiritual growth.
• Flowers (Tulips, Carnations, Daisies, Irises) - Symbolic of beauty, renewal and connection to nature and it's rhythms. The type of flower is chosen with great intention possessing it's own deeper meaning.
• Sun & Moon motifs - Represent cosmic protection, the warmth of the almighty and the promise of luck.
• Vines & Tendrils - Represent the interconnectedness between generations. The wish for a continued, long unbroken lineage.

The specifics of this particular coat:

• Size: XS/S (see measurements below).
• Medium length coat (about mid thigh long).
• Lining: Bonded wool fabric (a more ethical alternative to skin on shearling fur).
• Trims: Creme coloured long curly Mongolian goat fur.
• Tribal pattern in natural sandy brown, clay pink, bright fuchsia pink and green embroidered on an off white/creme cotton base fabric. Celestial sun & moon motifs.
• Features: Matching self belt (removable), coat hook closures, inset front pockets.
• Mongolian curly trims are fully removable with button and loop mechanism so coat can be worn without the outer fur for a more understated or casual feel, allowing for more styling options and wearability.
• Cleaning: Minor marks on the outer can be (very) carefully spot cleaned by hand if you're brave. However, general cleaning to be done by authorised leather cleaner only.

***Please note the embroideries are antique and so may have minor imperfections including loose treads and minor marks. Photos are provided in the listing of anything we feel is notable to the customer.

TERMS OF SALE - Suzani Coats:

As these are an investment piece with a high price point, if you are unhappy with your purchase the coats may be returned for a refund with a few extra conditions.

• All coats must be returned within 7 days of delivery to you or less (in your hands for no more than 7 days before returning) this will be strictly enforced as the selling season for this kind of garment is short. After 7 days no returns will be accepted.
• Postage fees are non refundable and customers will be responsible for return postage costs.
• As we will be subsidising some of the customers initial postage costs, a $20 handling fee will be deducted from the refund to recoup this + time and packaging.
• All coats must be returned within the time frame in clean, original, unworn, unmarked, saleable condition with tags still attached. 
• Coats must be returned in their original packaging box.
• The purchasing of a coat is an agreement to these terms and conditions.

Approx measurements for XS/S coat in medium length:

Length: 80cm

Chest: 50cm (100cm around).

Shoulder width (sleeve head seam to seam): 39cm

Sleeve length: 62cm (removable fur may hang longer).

A note on pricing: 

We understand that this kind of garment won't be affordable for everyone. In all honesty i was really, really nervous about creating and selling such a high value garment when GB is not a super high end brand. These coats are far and above the average cost of our other pieces. Aside from the high price point every other aspect is inline with GB; the bespoke hand made nature, the preservation of traditional needlework practices, the smorgasbord of delicate and textured and coloured elements i love and know that you love too.

 I have tried my very best to make these as affordable as possible for you, please keep in mind that there are 1 or 2 European and couture brands that make something similar that retail for over $3,000. However, it is my personal belief that art and culture should not only be accessible to the affluent within society.

The reason all coats are priced the same is because this is how we're charged by our makers. The majority of cost is in the Suzani embroidered blanket itself, and each coat regardless of length uses one full blanket due to the positioning of the embroidery in the centre of the coat back. The differences in lining materials and sewing for each coat is minimal and for this reason the coats are all priced equally.

Please take a moment to read the section about the history of Suzani, it's cultural significance and the deeper meaning imbued within each embroidery. Once we understand these aspects we begin to understand the weight of it's true value.