Winter in Edinburgh is far from over so for this Vintage Find of the Month we’re showcasing a gorgeous faux fur leopard print coat- purrfect! The coat is from Armstrong’s Teviot Place and is £50, but be quick as this vintage boutique is based in prime student territory and nothing lasts long.
Formally known as The Rusty Zip, it was re-vamped three years ago when Dominque Wardell took to the reigns as manager and steered it in a new and exciting direction. Much like customising a vintage dress, sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes and a little creative flair to see new potential in an old favourite. With visually impressive displays and specially selected stock, the Teviot Place shop has been successfully integrated into the Armstrong’s family and given a new lease of life. Continuing to go from strength to strength, the store even draws in celebrity customers like Florence Welch.
This classic print has been a firm favourite of many a glamour puss through the decades. In the 1930s and 1940s silver screen sirens such as Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and Rita Hayworth draped themselves in exotic leopard print furs. They were the height of sophistication. The trend continued into the 1950s when Bettie Page and Jayne Mansfield revelled in the brashness of this bold print. Jackie O’ looked stunning sporting a leopard print swing coat in the 1960s, and Debbie Harry gave the look a whole new punk edge in the late 1970s. Fast-forward forty years and the print is still as popular as ever. Dolce & Gabbana feature it regularly in their collections and Kate Moss continues to keep this feline pattern at the forefront of fashion.
I didn’t rub shoulders with any celebrities when I popped in this month, but teaming this original vintage coat with a polka dot dress, peep toe heels and sunglasses made me feel like a star!
Armstrong’s 14 Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QZ
Open Mon-Thurs 10-5:30, Fri-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6
Words, Styling & Model: Rebecca McCosh
Photos: Megan Harley
