The J. Peterman Company is an American retail company that sells clothing, fashion accessories, and other stuff (including furniture) through catalogs and the internet. It was founded by John Peterman in 1987, and has its headquarters in Ohio. It may be best known for its distinctive merchandise, including reproductions of retro clothing as well as clothing and fashion accessories seen in films.
In 1997, for example, the company made a deal with 20th Century Fox to sell both original and authorized replica costumes and props from its then upcoming film, Titanic. That proved to be a windfall. Another of their movie related items is the "Louise Brooks" or Flapper winter coat. I am not sure how long they have been making this particular coat, but it has been more than 20 years. Back in 2005, the Louise Brooks Society blog carried a brief post on this distinctive winter coat design.
Back in 2005, I wrote "I remember seeing these 'Louise Brooks' winter coats (so-named) in the J. Peterman catalogs a number of years ago. Now, one of them has turned up on eBay. I think they were a popular item, as the company carried them for a few years running. "Composed of softest wool and cashmere and accented with sumptuous shearling on a huge collar and decadent cuffs, secured with a single outer and inner button and lined in coppered bronze satin . . . ." Just in time for the cold winter months."
These coats came to my attention once again when I received a Google key-word alert which directed me to the J. Peterman website, where the Louise Brooks coat is currently on sale, marked down from $798.00 to $398.00.
"Silent Star.
It’s been 65 years since Louise Brooks made her last movie, but she still has an active fan club.
Men still emerge from theaters stunned after seeing her in Pandora’s Box (1929), muttering things like, “That face…those eyes…that smile.”
Miss Brooks was not unaware of her effect.
She had her trademark haircut, a sleek cropped black helmet that implied she could move rather fast. And in cool weather, she invariably reached for a dramatic coat like this.
She wore the large, furry collar up so it framed her face memorably; sometimes she showed her profile. Sometimes she would let the collar graze her cheek, or nestle her chin in it a bit and look up slightly… that gave the audience something extra to think about.
She didn’t have to say a word.
Neither will you."
Though the J. Peterman "Louise Brooks" winter coat is attractive, it doesn't quite resemble any coats worn by Louise Brooks which I've seen modeled by the actress. Nevertheless, perhaps, someday, I will get one for my wife.
THE LEGAL STUFF: The Louise Brooks Society™ blog is authored by Thomas Gladysz, Director of the Louise Brooks Society (www.pandorasbox.com). Original contents copyright © 2025. Further unauthorized use prohibited. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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