ABSTRACT
The school blazer, a brass-buttoned, braid-bound, easy-fitting jacket traditionally worn by school boys on the playing fields of England, was taken to heart by fashionable American women in 1959. The Paris spring collections played a pivotal role in the breakout of the garment; new comer Jules Crahay focused on braid-bound suits, and old-timer Coco Chanel emphasized the blazer look that she'd been employing for years. Copies of these styles quickly sold out in the United States. A sampling of the styles in vogue at the time included: an evening jacket that could be worn over a variety of skirts and tops; everyday sportswear; dress for cocktails; a V-neck version to go with a Chanel suit made of off-white wool with navy binding; and a cardigan style for evening from the Chanel line.
