Up for sale here is an excellent piece from the Agnes B label. Long well-regarded in both France and Japan, Agnes B has held a cult following most other places I believe. She’s been at it since the mid 1970s, infusing a very French look into her designs. She produces with a very consistent aesthetic, using high quality materials and attention to detail like the best designers. She’s definitely well worth looking checking out in more detail if you’re not super familiar with her.
What we have here is a peacoat silhouette, given a relaxed treatment. Design here is inspired by the European classics, updated in terms of fit and details. I believe this is a 90s-2000’s era Agnes B piece, increasingly rare these days and increasingly sought after for their unique take on minimalism. The quality is arguably higher than most labels going today, superfluous details are kept to a minimum, and the fit is relaxed. It is something similar to what Yohji Yamamoto has been doing pretty consistently, but with a more decidedly European influence.
Main fabric is 100% wool, done in black with gray flecks throughout the weave. This is a very tight weave, very soft to the touch and in no way itchy. I assume this is a merino wool given the feel, although it is not tagged as such (which was common for the time). Interior is fully lined in cotton in the body and rayon in the sleeve. Interior also has two zipped pockets with high quality riri zips. Front has a six button double breasted closure. The doubling up of the front fabric makes this jacket naturally insulating, as well as wind and water resistant. The looser fit also makes it ideal for layering underneath. As such this should work very well as a winter coat.
Agnes B is still very much active today and producing some very high quality clothing, although these earlier pieces are where she made her reputation and are now long gone. Get a rare piece here at a fraction of the retail price.
Size is labeled a 1, fitting a large well. I measure the chest at 23.5”, shoulders at 20”, length at 37” and sleeves at 25.5”. The coat comes in lightly used, very good shape with no holes, tears, stains or obvious signs of wear. It is in especially excellent shape considering its age. Made in France.
Shipping from Japan to anywhere will be $40.