'Victorian Locket' Coat

I designed this coat after seeing a Victorian locket on an antique jewellery website. There's a picture of the locket below, and the web address that it came from is at the bottom of the page. I've taken the swallow motif from the locket and adapted it, using it on the collar, cuffs and hem of the coat, embroidered in gold coloured thread.

I chose the colour for the coat simply because I thought it suited the motifs, but when I went back and looked again at pictures of the locket, I found that the inside of the locket is a similar colour to this coat. I chose the gold for the embroidery because it stood out and made the coat look quite elegant, but silver could look good as well.

The coat uses frog buttons to fasten it. Even very simple frog buttons can look striking and there are some beautiful designs. You'd need a hidden button to keep the collar closed as well, and although I didn't include this on the design, I think I'd put a button or two on each of the cuffs.  
The coat is asymmetric, with the buttons fastening on the diagonal. This allows for one wide collar panel, with the more detailed motif on.

I hope you liked this design. It is part of my 'Designs inspired by History' project. For more designs check back here soon. 

Coat images and design © Bronzedale Designs.
Locket Image taken from: http://www.antiquejewellerycompany.com/shop/victorian-silver-locket-with-swallow-motif/#.VrzhzY_XLD5
I do not own the locket image.