From the Closet of: Roya Shanks

Label: Mansfield

Era: 1980s

Size: Medium

About the Item:

"This is from the St. Barnabas charity sale," Roya says, referring to the annual church sale in Irvington, New York, where she has uncovered some of her favorite vintage finds over the years. "A lot of duds, and the occasional treasure. This was one of the treasures."

She was immediately drawn to the jacket's distinctive details. "I bought it because I love the leather details," she says, pointing to the black leather shoulder accents that lend a touch of edge to the otherwise elegant silhouette. Cut in a rich navy wool with a dramatic shawl collar, sculpted sleeves, and a nipped waist, it feels quintessentially 1980s in the best possible way. Roya often styles it with another piece from her collection. "I wear it with the Kalida dress," she says. "It's one of those things that just works." 

About the Label:

Founded by Frank Russell, Mansfield became one of Britain's best-known outerwear labels, earning a loyal following in the 1970s and 1980s for its expertly tailored coats and jackets. Sold at retailers including Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges, and House of Fraser, the brand was celebrated for its quality construction and polished British sensibility.

Among its most famous admirers was Diana, Princess of Wales, who wore a chocolate brown Mansfield coat and matching faux-fur hat to the Royal Family's Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 1994—her final Christmas appearance with the family. The coat was reportedly a Christmas gift from Prince Charles.

Measurements:

Bust: 19”
Waist: 17”
Hip: 20”
Length: 24”

Fabric:

Wool and trimmed with leather

Condition: 

Item is in great vintage condition.